Coach: Mark Williams
Captain: Dom Cassisi
Finished 2009: 10th (nine wins, 13 losses)
Best and fairest: Warren Tredrea
Leading goalkicker: Warren Tredrea (51 goals)
Leading possession winner: Kane Cornes (596)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Jay Schulz, Jay Nash (Exchange Period), John Butcher, Andrew Moore, Jasper Pittard (NAB AFL Draft), Scott Harding (NAB AFL Pre-season Draft), Cameron Hitchcock, Daniel Webb, Cameron Cloke, Glenn Dawson (NAB AFL Rookie Draft), Daniel Bass (Three-year Non-registered selection), Jordan Johns (NSW Scholarship Program)
Off-field: Dean Laidley (assistant coach), Garry Hocking (development coach)
BEST 22
B: Paul Stewart, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Chad Cornes
C: David Rodan, Dom Cassisi, Steven Salopek
HF: Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Kane Cornes
F: Daniel Motlop, Warren Tredrea, Jay Schulz
Foll: Dean Brogan, Travis Boak, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Scott Harding, Mitch Banner, Brett Ebert, Hamish Hartlett
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
Dean Brogan is Port Adelaide’s only experienced ruckman and his ability to stand up this season is pivotal to the club’s chances of returning to the top eight. The Power have auditioned a number of players in the second ruck spot this pre-season, but it’s unlikely any of these candidates could hold down a lead role if Brogan were to be sidelined.
UP AND COMER
Goalkicking midfielder Mitch Banner missed a large chunk of last season with a frontal sinus fracture, but is in contention for round one after a scorching summer. Banner, 19, featured in the Power’s best players in the first three rounds of the NAB Cup and he could consider himself unlucky not to get a game against North Melbourne.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR
Brett Ebert set himself for a big pre-season after being dropped for two games last year. The raking left-footer topped Port Adelaide’s goalkicking in 2007 and must produce a more consistent effort this season, considering Cameron Hitchcock, Wade Thompson and Daniel Stewart are all pushing for a spot in the forward line.
CHANGING TACK
The Power have stunned opposition teams this pre-season with their strong defensive pressure and intensity. Former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley has been credited with the team’s stunning transformation, while Garry Hocking has played a role in fast-tracking the club’s young players. Port Adelaide played a more direct style of footy over the NAB Cup/Challenge and its run out of defence was also a feature.
INJURY LIST
Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) - 2 weeks
John Butcher (back) - 2 weeks
David Rodan (knee) - indefinite
WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
“I think the pre-season has been a success. We’ve got a lot of new players out there and we tended to gel together quite quickly. We’re really looking forward to round one and that’s when we can start building some respect by winning home and away games.” - captain Dom Cassisi
CRYSTAL BALL
Port Adelaide’s surprise appearance in the NAB Cup semi-final has prompted some pundits to revise their top-eight predictions. The Power only just missed the finals last year, despite a shockingly inconsistent season and the new, defensive aspect of their game could help propel the club back to the September stage in 2010.
SEASON OPENER
March 28 v North Melbourne at AAMI Stadium
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
