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.
Wazz
Guest
Sam Gray cant fill in in the forward line - it's been tried 9 times before & failed 8 times. he's simply not a small forward, and has little defensive skills when the ball is turned over. People get seduced by a one off effort that looks really good; but effective possessions are very low. i'd exit him from the 22 & add O'Shea. Last year before O'Shea came into it mid season, our backline was lacking pace; with other teams simply shutting down on pittard, and the run was gone; and the wins dried up. The addition of Cam, saw pace return (& 193cm tall), and he could play on tall & small - having proved that when he saved the game in the dying minutes of the Collingwood game. Pittard plays better, & is harder to shut down, when O'Shea plays - eg the 201 Finals match against Fremantle in Fremantle. When he's missing, Pittard struggles to break the lines & is more easily tagged out of the game.
Ben
Guest
The side is as close as you'll get without having to pick the opponent. Port will change it to match up against each side. Options - Krakour (now in senior side due to the suspension) to add run and kicking efficiency to backline. O'Shea to add height and pace to backline if needed Toumpas to add outside run if he shows good form Young to add depth to the midfield and half-forward Colquhoun to add speed and endurance to wing and half-forward (this guy will be good, need to add games) Brendon the 1st - i like your thinking about Pittard and Polec but we need Polec on the wing for his outside attacking run, missed it a lot last year. He also isn't as good defender as Pittard and that's a priority when lining up in the back six. Like the thinking though haha Also the midfield rotations are endless with Hartlett and Ebert rotating off halfback or wing and S.Gray, R.Gray and Wingard rotating as small forwards. AhChee I still want to see more of to consider a walk up start.
Dylan Matthews
Roar Guru
The loss of Monfries is a killer for sure, yet like you say the Power should be able to fill the void with the likes of Young and Amon! Lobbe is going to play a season defining role for the Power, if he goes down early it'll be hard to see them being genuine contenders
Don Freo
Guest
Nice to see you give Jax the actual order, Luke. A little patronizing but possibly necessary. He's been a little out of form of late.
jax
Guest
Yeah Monfries can be very damaging. The recruitment of Dixon mitigates the loss of Ryder somewhat.
jax
Guest
That makes sense lol If Port switch on this year they'll be in it up to their necks. We can say the same about a number of teams though. It has the makings of a great season.
Luke Sicari
Roar Guru
I think the loss of Monfries really really stings.
Luke Sicari
Roar Guru
Thanks Jax. I'm doing them in alphabetical order, so I the posts will be in this order: Richmond St Kilda Sydney West Coast Western Bulldogs
Nicholas Mirarchi
Roar Guru
I had them a sure thing to make the 8, but now the losses of Ryder and Monfries are making me reconsider.
jax
Guest
Yes they will be. Good job Luke, I've been enjoying the series. How many more teams have you got to come? My team is one of them.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Pretty spot on with that best 22, I've seen a couple of other articles where Sam grey isn't in the best 22, but he has to play after his last three games. My preference would be for Polec to swap positions with Pittard that when when the inevitable brain fade happens Jasper will be further up the ground and not 10 meters from goal
Luke Sicari
Roar Guru
One of the more intriguing teams this season Josh for sure.
Josh
Expert
Nice work Luke. Going to be a very interesting year to watch the Power.