PORT ADELAIDE
The club:
Formed: 1870
Joined AFL: 1997
Premierships: One – 2004
Last finals appearance: 2007, grand final (v Geelong)
2007 at a glance:
A season of somewhat surprising success but an ultimately bitter finish for the Power. Aided by some good fortune and round 20 and 21 wins that were decided in the last minute, Port Adelaide finished in second spot after the home-and-away season and marched on to a grand final berth. Once there, however, the fairy tale ended – thanks to a 119-point thumping by Geelong.
2008 to date:
Take away a 68-point round two defeat to an in-form Sydney and the Power have got pretty reasonable form – especially for a side that is 0-3. Port Adelaide had its chances in a round one grand final rematch, going down to Geelong by nine points, then threw everything bar the kitchen sink at Adelaide during last weekend’s Rivalry Round showdown, eventually coming up a goal short.
The coach:
Mark Williams’ forthright manner is unlikely to make him popular among opposing fans, but his record speaks for itself – 218 games coached, a winning rate of around 60 per cent, finals qualification in seven out of nine years and a premiership. Has done a fantastic job in rejuvenating an ageing team.
Missing in action:
Port fans might have been nervous about this list being longer earlier in the week, with Matt Thomas reported for rough conduct and Dean Brogan likely to be scrutinised over a heavy bump on Luke Jericho. But both were cleared to play by the Match Review Panel. The Power’s only long-term injury victims are veteran Michael Wilson and young big man Hugh Minson.
The gun:
It’s a tough choice between the Cornes brothers, but we’ll opt for Chad after a fine Showdown display that netted him 34 possessions, 13 marks and two goals. The elder of the Cornes siblings is a tough man to match up on, capable of playing key position or as an oversized running midfielder. Don’t be surprised if he ends up pinch-hitting on Jonathan Brown or Daniel Bradshaw, should either of the Lions forwards get on top.
The bolter:
Matt Thomas – certainly not a household name and might not be known outside of Alberton had he not laid the crunching tackle that knocked Nathan Bassett senseless on the weekend. Unlikely to be a big possession-winner but is a hard-working utility who exemplifies Port’s fighting spirit and reminds some of the uncompromising Wilson. Ranks second among Power players for tackles this year.
Strengths:
Picking out a single gun is a tough ask – like the Cornes brothers, Burgoyne brothers Peter and Shaun are stars, as are Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop and Danyle Pearce. The Power are capable of attacking with plenty of verve and dash and their second-tier players like Steven Salopek, Michael Pettigrew and Jacob Surjan are consistently solid contributors. The ruck pairing of Lade and Brogan boasts a good balance of skill and physicality.
Weaknesses:
Warren Tredrea was once the competition’s finest centre-half-forward but Father Time and dicky knees appear to have caught up with the Port skipper. At the other end, the Power brains trust must decide who mans up on Brown and Bradshaw. Fijian-born Alipate Carlile looks a likely type but is he experienced enough to cope with either of the gun Lions forwards?
Running hot:
Shaun Burgoyne had only 12 possessions on the weekend, but kicked four goals. Statistics rarely tell the full story but the fact elder brother Peter amassed 41 disposals suggests he’s in fair form. And while Adelaide ruckman Jonathon Griffen managed only 10 hitouts, Port’s pairing of Lade and Brogan combined for 34.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club
