A finals berth is slipping further and further from Port Adelaide, who sit seventh after a horror last month, recording just one win.
Throughout the season they have triumphed over premiership hopefuls Richmond and Melbourne, while securing unconvincing wins against the likes of Carlton, Brisbane and St Kilda, before eventually succumbing to an unforgivable loss in the west to an undernourished Fremantle.
The topsy-turviness of the Power’s run has divided their fanbase. Some argue that, with 12 wins, their season has been satisfactory. Others suggest the team has not improved for a number of years, even in the face of overall business growth.
While members of both parties are quick to blame coaching and player performances when things don’t go to plan, it seems Power fans are ignoring an issue that is painstakingly obvious, but perhaps not directly in the firing line.
It’s no secret that not every fan of the Power blossomed from the pews of Alberton Oval all those years ago. Those who eagerly awaited the honour of adding that now infamous glimmer of teal to their already black and white guernseys in 1997. Power supporters have since then come from other SANFL clubs, other states, other countries and even over the road, but whether they like it or not, the Power is a continuation of the Magpies.
The attitudes on the field, off the field and in the coaches’ box should be alarming fans who are yet to put their finger on a major problem that has been slowly brewing over the past four years – the Power have stepped away from Port Adelaide.
With one of the most successful histories in the game, the Port Adelaide Football Club cemented an ethos in the football world as a vehement, forceful and ablest community. An outfit to be feared, envied and admired. The construction of all-powerful mantra crafted by Foster ‘Fos’ Williams in 1962, ‘The Creed’ shaped each and every performance, resulting in decades of major success and 18 premierships during that era.
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“We, the players and management of the Port Adelaide Football Club accept the heritage which players and administrators have passed down to us; in so doing we do not intend to rest in idleness.”
With a culture so great and a history so rich, it is hard to understand how the players of today aren’t drawing huge motivation and enticement to continue the legacy of their predecessors. Their undeniable success inspired the careers of the former generation, including the Cornes brothers, Warren Tredrea and Dominic Cassisi, who even during the dark times, bled for the club.
Today, pride in the guernsey and the name is virtually non-existent.
The Port Adelaide Football Club has also reverted from their intensity and dominance against cross town rivals, the Adelaide Crows. While Showdowns of late have been tough and entertaining, the Power once held the Crows 21-17 for wins, which the Crows have now overtaken with a comfortable few years of dominance – even when the Power were an arguably better outfit.
The stigma throughout South Australia is that the Power have much more angst against the Crows than vice versa but modern players lack the fiery ruthlessness and ability to overrule that should be wired into them and that Power fans expect.
Gone are the days when boss Ken Hinkley would promise tough and traditional Port Adelaide-style football. It is horrifying that a club that once sported an honour roll of names like Ebert and Cahill, who gave every last millimetre of themselves to the cause, is now renowned as the whingers of the league.
Perhaps it is an embarrassment, a waste of time and false advertising to preach ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ and sport the number 1870 on the back of the guernsey if nothing about the football club of today reflects the deep values in the roots entwined under Alberton Oval.
The current playing group and management team obviously completely disregard these values, or have been seriously misinformed.
Before another nothing year transpires, the Power need a reality check. A history lesson. A reminder of where they come from and what is expected of them. To take accountability. To find the strength to believe.
They need the motivation to replicate what the Port Adelaide of old could achieve.
Power: look beyond the doors that you walk through each day. Embrace your heritage.
“Strive with all your power to further this club’s unexcelled achievements.”
Find Port Adelaide again.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I personally don't think that a crowd of 32,500 when playing against a top side with which they have an intense rivalry is OK but hey, at least the fans are "engaged" (and not just to their sisters)!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Just another example of Port drinking their own bath water!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Hodges' love for Port could have seen him decide not to play for Adelaide at all. He could of course have continued to play for Port Adelaide in the SANFL? The problem with Port (and its supporters) is that they believe their own media hype!
Jules
Guest
I went to the magpies 1950s games. The Magpies believed in the straight path to goal, very little handball and men who could kick goals. It's a different game now (in many ways more exciting) but some of the basic skills from the Port boys are sadly lacking each week. Too often we seem to only get serious about the game when we're behind and the last quarter is upon us, sometimes to our detriment. I do however think the buck stops with the coaches.
Ilias Mavromatis
Roar Rookie
Spot on Keith Thomas and Kochie have lots explain to do!
Ilias Mavromatis
Roar Rookie
Simple fact our coaching panel is woeful all around starts from Hinkley to Voss through to Lade Nicks! Just look at the stats at the showdown because our coaching defenders love stats but are always selective. Sloane 87% TOG, Wines 61% TOG. Our premier midfield bull playing the equivalent of one entire quarter less. And I’m pretty sure it’s not a once off, been happening all year! Why?! Port Adelaide is confusing as to what it’s kpi for success is. They extended Hinkley contract who was already contracted on what basis? Absolutely woeful management. Get ready for more mediocrity
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Have to agree, Sammy. Adelaide by far the better side over the last 4 years. Port never a serious contender in this time period.
Raimond
Roar Guru
Ken Hinkley needs to go.
sammy
Guest
Will never forgive Hodges for the miss from 30m out almost dead in front to win the game for the crows V collingwood at Victoria park in the early days..he missed and we lost. But I also saw him kick 15.1 against Sturt in the same season - he just could not mentally handle the step up. Fantastic SANFL player but average AFL player
powa
Guest
would you say their current style is reminiscent of the ugly duckling style the swans were famous for in the 00's? they seem to have dumped their aggressive attack style
Jungle Jim
Guest
Yep, good footy, wins on the board and finals or premiership success always breeds passion and loyalty and pride and respect..goes hand in hand.
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
I don't think crowds are an issue at all. Membership numbers and engagement are trending in the right direction. I think the issue is they are just playing poor footy.
BigAl
Guest
I would disagree ! He was an absolute super star and favourite son in South Australian football and couldn't quite take it to the next level. This is not uncommon - I remember hearing Barassi lamenting the fact that Peter Daicos was never able to reproduce his Collingwood form in interstate games. Conversely there were a few 'average' players particularly in WA who surprisingly thrived when they moved up a grade with the Eagles in the AFL
Paul D
Roar Guru
Port are basically like Freo, the Suns and GWS. They're the second banana side in a city/state with a dominant outfit I think what doesn't help them either is that pretty much every neutral from SA is going to support the Crows over Port Adelaide because why else would you go for Port if you're not from Port If Port want to get some relevance they need to take on for themselves the role of servicing regional SA with games. Go where the Crows won't fly. Not saying they have to go play games at Innamincka or Woomera but it would help their cause to try and bust out of their little niche market. Ultimately no-one cares about their flags back to 1870 apart from the rusted on fans and that number will only decrease over coming years.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Bit hard to play for Port Adelaide in the AFL prior to 1997 I would have thought Main reason he failed at AFL level was that he got injured playing for Adelaide and someone called Tony Modra usurped his spot as Adelaide's #1 forward. 38 games for 100 goals is a pretty decent return otherwise!
sammy
Guest
I take exception to the comment that Port were arguably a better outfit then the crows over the last 3-4 seasons. If you look across every line when both are at full strength, I say the crows are stronger - and this is no more evident than in the defenses. The crows have Talia, Laird and smith who are better than any port defender in ability. Doedee is challenging for the rising star and Brown is one of the leagues best lock down defenders. You don't win 6 of the last 7 showdowns with one being an absolute blowout if you are not the stronger team. You also only have to look at ladder positions over the last few seasons with this year being the only time Port has finished above the crows and that is in no small part due to the crows horror run with injuries. Port have traded in the free agents to have a crack at the flag and their window is right now. in 1-2 years when Robbie Gray, Westhoff & Ryder are gone or past their best, they lose 3 of their A grade players and it will be harder
Matt
Guest
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
And Hodges was so deep in his love for Port that he decided to play for Adelaide! Hmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!
BigAl
Guest
That attitude could be part of the reason why he failed at AFL level . . . inflexible ?
Franko
Guest
Scott Hodges: “Centrals, they told me I had to play for them, and I said, nah nah nah, I won’t be playing for Centrals… no way. They said, you have to play for us, you’re in our zone. “I rocked up to a game at the Wayville Showgrounds versus Sturt. I played a half and at halftime came in I took the jumper off, and the shorts, the socks and I walked out of there. I said to dad, sorry, but I ain’t playing there. I was suspended. I wasn’t allowed to play the rest of the competition. “What I did that day, the decision I made, I don’t regret that. There was no way in the world I was going to play for Centrals. “I just loved my Maggies… Port Adelaide to me was everything.”