HE'S LONG been considered the heart and soul of Port Adelaide and, on Friday night, Michael Wilson will bid farewell to the football club that's been his second home for 20 years.
The Power have copped a battering on the back of last week's dismal performance against Carlton, but if there's anything that can get this team back up, it's Wilbur.
Lost to Carlton by 66, lost to St Kilda by eight, lost to Fremantle by 28, beat Adelaide by 12 and lost to North Melbourne by two.
Recent results against Collingwood
Round four, 2007, Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) d Collingwood 9.12 (66), MCG
Round 20, 2006, Collingwood 12.17 (89) d Port Adelaide 12.15 (87), AAMI
Round five, 2006, Collingwood 18.12 (120) d Port Adelaide 11.13 (79), TD
Round 14, 2005, Collingwood 14.18 (102) d Port Adelaide 9.17 (71), TD
Round 21, 2004, Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) d Collingwood 9.16 (70), MCG
Strengths
Coach Mark Williams conceded it was difficult to motivate his players last week, but he should have no such trouble on Friday night. Champion Michael ‘Wilbur’ Wilson will address his former teammates prior to the Collingwood clash and say goodbye to AAMI Stadium.
Wilbur, who was forced into retirement through injury last week, has been the Power’s spiritual leader since the club’s inception in 1997 and Port Adelaide will be desperate to reward him for his unrivalled contribution.
Last week, Collingwood responded to a week of off-field drama with a win over finals contender St Kilda but the Magpies, who will start favourites on Friday night, have a habit of losing games they are expected to win.
A loss this week would see Port Adelaide slump to its worst season in history and the Power, even with an inexperienced line up, will be loath to let that happen in the testimonial game of its favourite son.
Port Adelaide, which has actually outscored finals bound rivals Adelaide in the opening 19 rounds, has had no trouble kicking goals for the most part of this season, but its defensive action has been a concern.
Last week, the Power’s back six were put under huge pressure with the Blues going inside 50m a massive 72 times. Alipate Carlile performed admirably on Brendan Fevola, conceding a respectable four goals in the onslaught, but Port Adelaide must tighten up across the field to give its defenders a chance on Friday night.
Williams, who was a late replacement for good mate Travis Boak, was thrown into a cauldron last week in his first AFL game and has been promised another chance to show his wares on Friday night.
The Port Adelaide coaches were pleasantly surprised with the rugged half-back/midfielder’s performance during the NAB Cup/Challenge earlier this year and are convinced the Geelong junior is a genuine player of the future. Often been used in a tagging role, he’s starred for Central Districts this season and, given the opportunity, has plenty to offer at AFL level.
Peter Burgoyne: The eldest Burgoyne was well below his best in his AFL return last week. The dynamic veteran found plenty of the footy, picking up 24 possessions, but like many of his teammates turned the ball over going forward. Burgoyne’s dash and good decision making from half-back is crucial to this Port Adelaide side and, with so many young faces in the team, he’ll need to lead by example on this week.
Troy Chaplin: Chaplin is likely to go to Collingwood barometer Travis Cloke when players from both sides take their positions at AAMI Stadium on Friday night. Cloke took nine marks and booted 1.4 in the win over St Kilda last week and will need to be kept on a tight leash this week. Chaplin has been touted as a future captain of Port Adelaide and will be looking to make his presence felt in an important game for the club.
Tom Logan: The gutsy onballer has been entrusted with some of the biggest jobs in the competition over the past few months and will get the job on either Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas or Scott Burns this week. Logan, like Carlile, has been a success story for the Power this season and will be steeled for a big game in his mentor Wilson’s farewell.
On Friday night, Justin and Matthew Westhoff will become the fourth set of brothers, behind Chad and Kane Cornes, Peter and Shaun Burgoyne and Derek and Allan Murray to play for the Power.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
