Is Port Adelaide's List Overrated? Questions Arise Amid Trade Decisions
Last updated on June 26, 2024 at 09:20 am
Posted on June 26, 2024 at 10:20 am
The heat is on Ken Hinkley this week, particularly from Port Adelaide fans. When a football club hits a rut, the senior coach often takes the brunt of the criticism. But is Port Adelaide's list simply "overestimated"?
After a strong 2023 season, ending in a straight-sets finals exit and a club-record 13 consecutive wins, Port Adelaide bolstered its squad with key acquisitions during the trade period. Esava Ratugolea, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Ivan Soldo, and Jordon Sweet were brought in to reinforce the defense and ruck positions. However, the Power's performance in 2024 has raised questions about these choices.
Port Adelaide's Struggles in 2024
Trade Period Additions
The Power aimed to address their defensive weaknesses with the following players:
Esava Ratugolea
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Ivan Soldo
Jordon Sweet
Despite these additions, Port Adelaide's form has declined, sitting at 8-6 after 14 games and clinging to a top-eight spot by percentage.
Overestimating the List?
Key Points Raised by Experts
Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Jason Dunstall expressed concerns about Port Adelaide's list on Fox Footy's On the Couch:
"Port Adelaide overestimated the list. I think it’s an average list."
"Beyond Rozee, Butters, Horne-Francis, and Houston, there's no standout class."
Forward Line Issues
Key Players Struggling
Port's forward line has faced significant challenges:
Charlie Dixon (33): Injury-prone, contributing 13 goals from 10 games.
Mitch Georgiades (22): 22 goals from 11 games, rated as average.
Todd Marshall (25): 20 goals from 14 games, rating declined from previous seasons.
Dixon's struggles have placed additional pressure on younger forwards Georgiades and Marshall. Additionally, players like Jeremy Finlayson and Willie Rioli have not consistently stepped up to fill the gap.
Defensive Shortcomings
Trade Additions' Performance
Despite significant investment, the defensive additions have not delivered:
Esava Ratugolea: Rated average.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher: Rated below average.
Moreover, Aliir Aliir has not maintained his All-Australian form, leading to further defensive instability.
Broader Recruiting Concerns
Midfield and Ruck Concerns
The Power's aggressive trading approach has impacted their draft position, limiting new talent intake:
Ivan Soldo (28) and Jordon Sweet (26): Yet to thrive in the No. 1 ruck role.
Compromised Drafts: Only one top-45 pick in the last two drafts, impacting the team's long-term prospects.
Future Outlook
Port Adelaide's future hinges on the development of recent draftees:
2019 Draft: Miles Bergman and Mitch Georgiades have established themselves.
2020 Draft: Lachie Jones and Ollie Lord showing potential.
2021 Draft: Josh Sinn and other late picks yet to make a significant impact.
Port Adelaide faces a challenging period with questions about the depth and strength of their list. While they possess a core of young, exciting midfielders, their overall list may lack the depth required for premiership contention. The club's recent trade decisions and compromised draft positions could pose problems down the line, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and development moving forward.
_________
