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The year ahead: Saints and Power |
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by Thomas Grant and Matthew Nogajski | behindthegame.com.au
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BehindTheGame previews the coming season of club's Port Adelaide and St Kilda. The Power were crushed by Geelong in last year's grand final, as the Saints adjusted to new coach Ross Lyon's gameplan.
Note: For season previews of all other clubs, please see 'Columnists'.
PORT ADELAIDE
Last year
2007 proved to be a relatively successful year for the Power. They started off the season emphatically by winning 6 of their first 7. They eventually leveled out before finishing the season strongly, eventually going down in the Grand Final to Geelong.
Several new recruits proved to be excellent coups for the club, including first year draftee Justin Westhoff, a slightly built key position forward who impressed greatly and looks to be a long-term player. David Rodan, a Richmond discard proved to be an excellent pick up, and he excelled at his new club.
The thumping they received at the hands of Geelong in the grand final will not easy to get over at all. In 2003, Brisbane thrashed Collingwood and the next year the Pies struggled before failing to make the finals. Whether that was related to the embarrassment of the grand final loss was related to it is unknown, but Port Adelaide will be determined to put the shattering defeat behind them and focus on 2008.
Strengths
- Ruck Division
The ruck combination of Brendan Lade and Dean Brogan is one of the best combinations in the AFL. Both are very gifted in allowing their midfielders first-use and both are extremely effective around the ground. Lade is widely considered to be the second best ruckmen in the AFL behind Dean Cox and Dean Brogan would have to be one of the better second rucks going around. Both have a good all-round game as ruckmen, with good skills, strength and the ability to float forward.
With young Fabian Deluca enjoying an impressive pre-season, Port’s midfield looks to be in store for some good service from their big men.
- Midfield
Port Adelaide possesses a number of elite midfielders. On paper the likes of Chad and Kane Cornes, Shaun and Peter Burgoyne and Dominic Cassisi looks very impressive, and generally 3 out of these 5 players play exceptionally well. In addition to those 5 established midfielders, Port has many exciting young prospects. Danyle Peace won the Rising Star award in his debut year, and adds plenty of speed and flair to the midfield. Steven Salopek has proved he was plenty of potential, but has struggled with injury. Travis Boak was pick 5 in the 2006 ‘super draft’ and showed why in his debut season.
Combined with the ruck combination, Port Adelaide’s midfield looks potentially destructive.
Weakness
- Scarring Cats
After enduring the 119-point defeat from Geelong, one potential weakness could be the mental damage brought on by such a horrific defeat.
This has a possibility to impede their 2008 Season. However, Mark Williams is a highly respected coach who will more than likely be able to prepare his troops mentally for a long 2008 season.
Key Player
- Warren Tredrea
Tredrea is fast becoming a forgotten man of Port Adelaide. After battling injury and unfortunately providing far less output than normal in 2007, the Port Power champion is flying under the radar now that the Cornes and Burgoyne brother are in the limelight.
If Tredrea can stay injury free and relatively fit, he has the ability to win a game off his own boot.
Verdict
With such a young and exciting list, anything is possible. The Power's midfield is as good as any in the AFL. A top 4 finish is definitely on the cards.
ST KILDA
Last year
Season 2007 could be seen as a rebuilding year for the Saints. A fresh coach in Ross Lyon took over from the out of favor Grant Thomas. Due to a season marred with injuries, the club was able to experiment with most of its list. And the often criticized board was spilled.
Whilst not living up to expectations of the footy public, the Saints fell agonisingly outside the eight, finishing with 11 wins, 10 losses and a costly draw.
Champion forward Nick Riewoldt took out his fourth Trevor Barker Award.
Strength
- Forward Power
St Kilda enter the 2008 season with argubably the most dangerous forward line in the competition. It possess stars such as Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke, Fraser Gherig and Steven Milne – with plenty of depth waiting in the wings.
- Midfield and ruck
For the first time in a long while, the Saints have a fit and firing midfield as well as two ruckmen to compliment the team’s talents. Steven King and Michael Gardiner, both possess great experience as well as the ability to find playmakers Lenny Hayes, Luke Ball and Nick Dalsanto from the stoppages.
Weakness
- Injuries
Like many clubs over the years, the Saints have been hit hard with injuries in which have arguably cost them a premiership chance. Injuries to key defenders, forwards and midfielders have ended St Kilda’s run into September in the past.
Key Players
- Nick Riewoldt
Recently appointed sole captain, Riewoldt will have a big say in season 2008. The damaging forward has the capability of ripping sides to shreads with his powerful work rate and marking ability. If he can play at a consistent level in 08, he could be the man to end their premiership drought.
- Ruck pair
As mentioned earlier, the Saints will enter the season with two competent ruckman. Both super talents, both capable of dominating matches. For once, the gaping whole which was left by Grant Thomas, in his attempts to win a premiership, is now filled.
Rookie to watch
- David Armitage
Selection number 9 in the super draft of 2006, Armitage has enjoyed an impressive NAB cup series, playing an important role in the pre-season premiership. Great agilty, endurance, durability a touch of class – this young midfielder will be one to watch throughout the year.
Verdict
Judging a team on pre-season form is never easy, but to say the Saints didn’t impress would be ignorant. They are up and about this year with a premiership core all over the ground. As always, there are ifs and buts, but no one doubts the club's chances at the holy grail if they keep their best 22 fit and firing. |
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