Ken Hinkley admits Port was on its knees on the eve of a crucial round one clash with Melbourne at the MCG. The club had endured two disastrous seasons, a change of coach, president, CEO and the tragic death of John McCarthy. But in his first season as coach, and with significant help from senior assistant Alan Richardson and high performance manager Darren Burgess, the Power proved every pundit wrong to emerge a genuine force. Not only did the club exceed all outside expectations by almost qualifying for a preliminary final, but significant development from almost every player suggests we've seen only a glimpse of the side's true potential.
What worked
Hinkley's defensive game plan was a revelation at Alberton this year. His simple approach meant every player knew exactly what his role in the team was and the results spoke for themselves. Burgess' appointment could well have been the get of the year. The Power's fitness levels were arguably the best in the competition and their final quarter performances were proof; they won 15 of their 22 home and away fourth terms, second only to Hawthorn.
What failed
Consistency was the side's main issue during the home and away season and, while it was a last-quarter powerhouse, it was often found wanting at quarter-time and in the third term. With such a young list the Power's struggle to play four quarters of football was understandable, although no less frustrating for Hinkley. Had the side not allowed teams to skip out to generous advantages, Port could well have finished higher than eighth.
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Surprise packet
So many of the Power's players could qualify given the increase in output by most, but Justin Westhoff's year caught many off guard. Westhoff has always been a talented player, but by own admission he's lacked consistency in his game. He certainly found it in 2013, particularly early in the year. The 26-year-old played every game this year and although his form tapered slightly when the club lost five straight from round six to 10, he finished well and totalled career-best disposals, marks, hit-outs and tackles.
Disappointment
If John Butcher can stay injury free the club is adamant he'll become a serious threat to opposition backlines. Unfortunately hip surgery in the pre-season meant he started behind the eight-ball and didn't catch up. The 22-year-old managed eight games, but wasn't 100 per cent fit for most of those. The Power really need a key forward firing alongside Jay Schulz, and with Daniel Stewart no longer at the club Butcher needs an outstanding pre-season to start round one in perfect condition.
MVP Travis Boak
Best rookie/first year player Oliver Wines
Best win v Collingwood, elimination final
Low point
They led the Western Bulldogs by 17 points late in the second term in round 10 in Darwin, but trailed by 19 at three-quarter time. Port finished strongly, but its poor third quarter ensured the Bulldogs took the win.
What needs to improve
Skipper Boak said the Power's contested work and tackling was a key area in which they were found out against Geelong in the semi-final. Further development by the likes of Wines, Andrew Moore and Brad Ebert will help the midfield against bigger bodies and another pre-season under Burgess will strengthen the entire group. The skill level of the Power was better in 2013, but it needs to rise again if the club is to push higher into the top eight.
Who's done
Brett Ebert, Daniel Stewart, Matt Thomas, Nathan Blee, Nick Salter, Justin Hoskin, Danny Butcher, Darren Pfeiffer.
What they need
Like Adelaide, Port would love to add speedy left-footed Brisbane Lion Jared Polec to its mix. Fit, Polec would boost any side in the AFL and the Power are no exception. A key forward is also needed to help Jay Schulz out deep in attack. The club hasn't given up hope on Butcher and it has Mason Shaw, but Butcher needs to get his body right and Shaw isn't ready for AFL football.
Luke Darcy says
"It started with the rejuvenation of this footy club, with David Koch coming on as president. There were a few eyebrows raised with what 'Kochie' was going to bring to the table. He's been outstanding. I've loved the messages and the profile he's brought to Port Adelaide, they desperately needed it. Ken Hinkley's appointment was a masterstroke and he's already proven that he's going to be one of the great coaches in the game."
