PATRICK Ryder and Matthew Lobbe are tipped to form one of the AFL's most damaging ruck duos, but they started Friday night's match simulation in a head-to-head contest at Alberton Oval.
The difference in their respective styles was obvious with Lobbe out-muscling Ryder on occasion only for Ryder to leap over him at the next stoppage.
In the third quarter the ball left Ryder's hand in the ruck, hit Robbie Gray and was then finished by Hamish Hartlett without hitting the ground.
Ryder also offered a glimpse of his potential in Port's forward line, taking strong marks and finishing with three goals from seven shots.
Reflecting the level of competition put forward in Friday's training session, Power coach Ken Hinkley didn't get carried away with Ryder's performance or his
"None of us are surprised that Paddy's got some real talent…now we've just got to make sure that works," Hinkley said.
"For tonight it looked OK, 'Lobbes' was really solid, 'Paddy' kicked three goals in a pretty calm bit of play.
"We know that both boys have got some ability that's pretty good, we just need them to do it together and I think the key thing for them to be successful is that the team plays well as a whole."
It was far from an internal game – scores weren't even counted – but almost 5,000 Power fans lined Alberton Oval for the match simulation.
Robbie Gray was at his scintillating best; his mid-air gather and pirouette to turn out of congestion alone justified the lavish praise from teammate Jay Schulz on Monday.
John Butcher raised a few eyebrows with four goals, but just as encouraging was the tall forward's pressure and attack on the ball.
Butcher's kicking ability has held him back since 2012 but his desire for the football and competitiveness has rarely been questioned.
Hinkley went a step further, describing him as one of the best pressuring forwards in the AFL system.
"Last year he had about 75 per cent of the pre-season, this year I reckon he's done close to 90 per cent of the pre-season – you have to have good pre-seasons behind you if you're going to have successful AFL seasons," he said
"That's what John wants; he doesn't want a successful SANFL season, he needs to play AFL football.
"John brings forward pressure as good as any tall in the game…he's got real genuine speed to get after them and he works hard.
"It's up to John now [whether he makes it], it's not up to anyone else."
A slimmed down Ollie Wines won his trademark contested possessions but covered the ground faster and easier than he did last year, while new recruit Johann Wagner showed promise off the wing booting two goals.
Jarman Impey mopped up well playing slightly higher up the ground than he was used to at AFL level last year and Jasper Pittard was clean and direct in possession, as was Jared Polec who booted two tasty running goals.
Patrick Ryder is a $502,000 forward/ruckman in NAB AFL Fantasy this year. Create and fill your AFL Fantasy Classic league by March 2 to win a free AFL Live pass.
