Entering 2015 with sky-high expectations, Port Adelaide had a power outage last season, as injuries and inconsistent play saw the Power finish ninth with a 12-10 record, struggling to deal being tipped to make the grand final.
Coach Ken Hinkley had the Power playing an aggressive and exciting brand of football in 2014, seeing them shock the football world and come just inches short of making the grand final.
But that same fast-paced, boisterous style of football was hardly seen until late season 2015, as teams had seemingly figured out Port Adelaide’s plan of attack.
The Power almost seemed scared to take the game on last season, after doing it so well in 2014.
Injuries to players such as Ollie Wines, Matthew Lobbe, Jared Polec, Jackson Trengove and Alipate Carlise were issues, so Port Adelaide will enter 2016 with a sense of expectation once again, with many pundits picking them to regain their 2014 form and make another run at the top eight.
Although, the Power are already shorthanded, as Patty Ryder and Angus Monfries have been handed 12-month bans due to their involvement in Essendon’s 2012 supplement saga.
“As you can imagine, they’re devastated.” Hinkley said when asked about how Ryder and Monfries are dealing with the decision. “In their lives, it’s probably the most important thing that they do, bar their families, and they’ve had that taken away from them.”
The loss of Ryder puts light on how important the re-signing of Lobbe was for the Power in the off-season. Port Adelaide was planning to play with two ruckmen this season, but with Ryder’s loss, Lobbe will step in to once again become the number one ruckman. Lobbe was ranked eighth in hit-outs per game last season, so the Power can take some relief in the fact that they have an adequate replacement for Ryder.
Monfries was able to rejuvenate himself last season, as he averaged 14.1 disposals per game while booting 23 goals on the season. Monfries brought an added sense of professionalism and leadership, and the Power forward line will solely miss him.
So, who replaces Monfries? Sam Gray had an impressive 2015, so he is the early favourite, but Jake Neade, Karl Amon and Aaron Young all have the ability to fill the void.
Best 22
B: Jarman Impey, Alipate Carlise, Jack Hombsch
HB: Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove, Matthew Broadbent
C: Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak, Jared Polec
HF: Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Chad Wingard
F: Justin Westhoff, Jay Schulz, Sam Gray
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert
INT: Brendon Ah Chee, Matt White, Jake Neade, Tom Jonas
MVP: Robbie Gray
After his breakout 2014, Gray took another step forward in 2015, establishing himself as one of the AFL’s elite midfielders.
One of the elements separating Gray from other midfielders is his ability to go forward and play as well as a permanent forward. While some midfielders can play in the forward line on occasions, Gray could play down there for the entire game and be just as effective. Last season, Gray finished second in the league in goal assists and third in clearances, which indicates how versatile the nine-year veteran is.
Gray took out Port Adelaide’s 2015 best and fairest award with averages of 26.3 disposals, 14.3 handballs, 12.0 kicks, 4.3 tackles, 2.9 marks and 1.2 goals per game – don’t expect a drop-off anytime soon.
Future star: Ollie Wines
A tough, in-and-under midfielder, Wines displayed to the AFL how good a player he can become (and already is) in 2015. His standout performance came in a courageous three-point win against Collingwood in Round 15, where Wines finished with 33 disposals, three marks, and an incredible 10 tackles – his tenacious playing style was on full display.
Wines finished 2015 with averages of 24.5 disposals, 13.0 handballs, 11.5 kicks, 5.2 tackles and 2.7 marks per game, and at just 21, expect him to take his game to another level in 2016.
Make or break: Charlie Dixon
After a 2015 filled with off-field drama and inconsistent play, Dixon’s wish was granted by the Gold Coast Suns, and he will pull on the Port Adelaide jumper in 2016.
Dixon finished 2015 with 41 goals, which was boosted by a couple of huge performances, such as a seven-goal effort in Round 14 against North Melbourne, and a six-goal game against Brisbane in Round 5. Howeber, those were overshadowed by suspensions handed down for Dixon’s off-field actions.
In a new scenario with the Power, Dixon must find consistent form, become more professional, and rid himself of any off-field issues.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has been forced into immediate retirement by the threat of further eye damage. Sloane, 34, had a second bout…
Kane Cornes has hit back at suggestions Aliir Aliir had some responsibility in being concussed in Jack Higgins' dangerous tackle, which saw the Saint…
Scans have confirmed Port Adelaide forward Sam Powell-Pepper has suffered a ruptured ACL during an incident in the Power's win over St Kilda. Powell-Pepper…
What on earth was this question from BT!?!
Mitch Georgiades' mates have no chill!
