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Can port switch the Power on in 2012?

After their worst season since entering the AFL, Port Adelaide have their backs against the wall as they try to become a competitive unit once again. Jeremy Rush reports.

Quick Glance at 2011: What went wrong what went right?

 

2011 was a year to forget for the Power, sinking to their lowest ladder finish (16th) since their introduction to the league in 1997. Managing only a meager three wins for the season, even newcomers Gold Coast managed to equal their wins tally, avoiding their first wooden spoon by percentage. With coach Matthew Primus in his first season, the Power were optimistic leading into the 2011 season on the back of a strong finish to the 2010 season, winning five of their last six games. However, this form didn’t translate into the 2011 season, winning only once in their opening nine games, effectively ending their season. It only got worse here on in for the Power, including a dreadful period for the club between rounds 20-22, losing to Collingwood, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs respectively by 138, 165 and 60 points. With the football club copping a barrage of media scrutiny and being in severe financial debt, some began to question whether the Power belonged in the AFL. Despite having their worst season in the clubs history, the Power finished the season in a positive note, avoiding the wooden spoon with a ten-point win over Melbourne in the final game of the season. More importantly, however, the club locked away young key position players Jackson Trengove, John Butcher and Matthew Lobbe from rival clubs with contract extensions.

 

Key Player

 

John Butcher: the 20-year-old key forward from Maffra, country Victoria proved to be a revelation towards the end the 2011 season, giving fans a glimmer of hope for the future. In just his second AFL game, Butcher imposed himself on the competition, kicking six goals in a dominant display against the Bulldogs in round 22. The following round he kicked four goals against Essendon, with his contested marking proving to be a highlight in an otherwise struggling side. Butcher has already shown signs of continuing his form into the 2012 season, kicking five goals against West Coast in a pre-season game. Although he only has four games of AFL experience, Butcher is a player the Power can build a side around and become a cult figure for the generation to come.

 

3 most important games and why?

 

Round 1: Port Adelaide Vs. St Kilda AAMI Stadium: Beginning the season with a win in front of a home crowd is critical in setting the standard for the rest of the season.

 

Round 5: Adelaide Crows Vs. Port Adelaide AAMI Stadium

The showdown is always viewed as the most important fixture between the two SA clubs with bragging rights at stake.

 

Round 19: GWS Giants Vs. Port Adelaide Skoda Stadium

Nobody wants to be the first to lose to GWS and although it’s round 19, it is very possible that this could be the game that they achieve their first inaugural win.

 

 

What to expect in 2012.

 

With a strong NAB cup series and some handy recruiting in the off-season, expect the Power to improve on their dismal 2011 season and break out of the bottom four. The Power bolstered their squad in the off season, securing local boy Chad Wingard at pick number six via last years national draft whilst trading for Hawthorn ruckman Brent Renouf and West Coast midfielder Brad Ebert. Being such a young side, the Power will be inconsistent throughout the year and no doubt ride the highs with the lows, however there is much to like about their young, upcoming players. Led by Butcher and Trengove at key position posts and a midfield headed by Boak, Hartlett, and Gray, the Power has enough talent to challenge sides and fight for a place towards the final eight. However, if injuries strike, the Power will once again struggle, especially in the defensive posts, which is already undermanned and lacking in quality. A fit duo of Troy Chaplin and Alipate Carlile is critical in holding opposition forwards at bay and providing leadership in a leaky defense. Making the most of their home ground advantage is imperative to their season, and with membership low it is important to keep the fans positive about the future direction of the club. With the side going through a rebuilding phase, six or more wins for the season should be the aim with the continued improvement of younger players a strong focus for the season ahead.

 

Ladder Prediction

13-17th

 

Jeremy Rush is a third year Bachelor of Journalism (Sport) at La Trobe University.

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