WHILE we wait for play to resume, and with the little bit of knowledge we've gleaned from round one, we're taking this opportunity to put the microscope on every club.
THE PRESSURE GAUGE Which coach is under the most heat?
This is Port Adelaide's Shutdown Report Card. >> LISTEN IN THE PLAYER BELOW
The biggest lesson from round one was …
Port Adelaide still has the midfield depth to genuinely contend in 2020. Yes, the Power might have been playing a developing Suns side, but there is a good mix of youth and experience in their engine room. Travis Boak continued his best and fairest form from last season, Tom Rockliff was influential early, while youngsters Sam Powell-Pepper and Dan Houston provided inside grunt. The class of Connor Rozee and Xavier Duursma around the ball adds a new dimension to the club's promising midfield division.
What's their weapon in 2020?
The kids are key to the success of this Port Adelaide side, which appears to have nailed its five first-round draft picks from the last two years. We saw the excitement and energy that came from blooding Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma last year, now Mitch Georgiades looks like he will complement that group with a promising round one showing. Miles Bergman wasn't selected, but is another highly-rated prospect. When you add Todd Marshall to that mix, there's a host of Power young guns ready to explode.
What could be their downfall?
What happens if things go wrong? Ken Hinkley is embracing the pressure of a 'finals-or-bust' situation in regard to his contract and his coaching future with the club, but will the playing group? It's a young side, so whether it can handle the increased speculation around Hinkley throughout the season could be key. It has the quality to qualify for the finals. But does it have the temperament, having reached September only once in the last five years.
Who missed out on round one and what does it mean for them?
The ruck situation is an interesting one for Port Adelaide, having lost Paddy Ryder to St Kilda and Billy Frampton to Adelaide during the Telstra AFL Trade Period. Peter Ladhams impressed late last season and earned a contract extension, despite interest from rival clubs. However, he missed selection in round one in favour of Scott Lycett. Whether he can force his way back into the side will be a side-story to watch unfold upon the resumption of action.
Which players could benefit from the break between games?
It remains a pivotal year for Ollie Wines. The midfielder struggled with form and fitness issues last season and was ultimately demoted from co-captaincy. It came after a saga where the contracted gun was linked to rival clubs in Victoria throughout the Telstra AFL Trade Period. Initially set to miss the first month of the year with a shoulder injury, the shutdown will give him time to recover and assess how – and perhaps where – he can return to play his best football.
Who looked set for a breakout season?
You can see the potential of Todd Marshall – and against Gold Coast, he looked like he was set for a breakout season. The 198cm forward flew for everything, took a couple of strong contested grabs and booted two goals in an impressive performance. Incredibly mobile for his size and position, Marshall has the attributes of a modern key forward. He'll now be hoping the season resumes as soon as possible to deliver upon those glimpses of quality.
The market place …
Sam Powell-Pepper looks like the most interesting uncontracted player at Port Adelaide. The youngster has shown his potential as an inside midfielder, but has found himself on the outer at times over the last two seasons. The West Australian is bound to attract interest from the two clubs in his home state, while Essendon has also been linked to his services recently. Could he be on the move later this year?
