Footy just sucks sometimes

[Rik E Boy]

...so said Liar Thompson graciously after the 2009 Grand Final.

This statement is quite a pertinent one for Port Adelaide generally and for David Rodan in particular.

Port worked their guts out last night but just couldn't get the job done because they seemed to run out of puff. They gave up late goals in the second and third term and didn't have anything left in the tank during that last quarter. Hawthorn's sub Savage ran past Power players at will when he came on.

Brogan is rooted. He busted his arse and really tries to provide leadership but I don't think Port can play him until he recovers properly. It's time to give Trengrove the number one spot and start blooding the next backup ruckman. They'll never get anywhere with Danyle Pearce. As skillful as he is he just isn't a smart footballer. From what I have seen from him he doesn't appear to have much peripheral vision. Attempting flying shots at goal from 55 when Brett Ebert was screaming for the ball on his own is just one example of what I was talking about.

Motlop worked very hard last night. I have never seen him lay so many tackles but he sunk out of sight after he hurt his shoulder. Other players that are important to Port don't appear to provide them with much run. Gray and Boak are two that come to mind. Are they fit? Port don't look fit. They looked like a side that has spent time trying to toughen up but the real problem is a lack of run and that is what is costing them, in red time and during those shocking fourth quarters.

As for Rodan surely he is done. Port can't afford to lose one of their few linebreakers but what is it now, four recons? It was a terrible sight watching him slumped dejectedly in the changerooms after the match. The Power showed they had spirit all night long (until they had no air in the tyres) and showed real unity in coming up to Rodan and trying to console him. Footy just sucks sometimes.

regards,

REB

[CUTTERMAN]

Agree about Rodan, I can't stand Port but love watching Rodan play footy. I sincerely felt sorry for him last night.

[whufc]

Love watching Rodan and its such as shame he will have to go through another knee reco.

Could there be a thought with Rodan that he is a bit to top heavy for his size and thats why his knees continue to give way.

[Rik E Boy]

Love watching Rodan and its such as shame he will have to go through another knee reco.

Could there be a thought with Rodan that he is a bit to top heavy for his size and thats why his knees continue to give way.

Probably more of a case of once you have done a knee it is weaker than it was before it was reconstructed although a doc I aint.

regards,

REB

[7-Dog]

Yes, very sad news as a Power/Rodan fan.

Where has protection for the ball carrier gone, Franklin's trackle was marginally late and I was sure the AFL bought in a rule a few years back about pinning arms and slamming guys into the turf (maybe not quite as bad). I love hard tough football, but I think in that tackle and a few others I have seen recently where Franklin/tackling player has to have duty of care for the player.
Franklin too often thinks hitting someone marginally late is tough.

[Rik E Boy]

Yes, very sad news as a Power/Rodan fan.

Where has protection for the ball carrier gone, Franklin's trackle was marginally late and I was sure the AFL bought in a rule a few years back about pinning arms and slamming guys into the turf (maybe not quite as bad). I love hard tough football, but I think in that tackle and a few others I have seen recently where Franklin/tackling player has to have duty of care for the player.
Franklin too often thinks hitting someone marginally late is tough.

Very good comment this one. I didn't notice a lot of shepparding last night. Surely the coaches must have noticed it as they know a lot more about football than what I do. Port Magpies under Cahill was 'Power at the Body and Power at the Ball'. Now all Port have left is the Power.

regards,

REB

[tigerpie]

being a victim of the dreaded acl injury i certainly feel for rodan....pure guts (ala shaun rehn) to come back from 3 recos.....4th gee that would be tough....hope he recovers well!!!

[fish]

Yep very sad to see another injury to Rodan. Not sure what the latest is but last night Ports Peter Rhode said on telly that it may not be an ACL and possibly only a month or so out...

[Magpiespower]

Six weeks apparently.

His "good" knee.

Which he did at Richmond years ago...

[Psyber]

Love watching Rodan and its such as shame he will have to go through another knee reco.
Could there be a thought with Rodan that he is a bit to top heavy for his size and thats why his knees continue to give way.

Probably more of a case of once you have done a knee it is weaker than it was before it was reconstructed although a doc I aint.
regards,
REB

Reb's point is valid, but the other thing is that damaged tissues can take 2 to 3 years to heal fully and nobody in sport gives them that long.

[hottie]

I agree Brogan needs a decent rest,he struggles to contest a rucking contest due to being injured.If he continues without having a break during game time his achillies will surely worsen.I know some teams are set only playing one specialized ruckmen,but the pace of the game is at such a high level,surely towards the end of a season they are spent.I would like to see Brett Ebert to play as the running half back,as Power disposal and turnover has been highlighted,think that Brett could fit in that role and hopefully see his delivery to the forward line beneficial.Hope David Rodan can recover as he is a great pickup for the power.

[CK]

One very good point, REB - thus far, Motlop has tried his guts out to do the little things that he had neglected the last couple of seasons. One of the real positives for Port in what has been a frustrating season for them.

[RustyCage]

Boak shouldnt have played, was KO'd at training just 8 days prior, it didnt look like he was right

[Dogwatcher]

It's rare I watch a Port game and even rarer to comment about them.
But...I too was saddened to see Rodan leave the field. He is electric to watch.

I will compliment Motlop on his effort. He looked like he wanted to be a team player.
While...another player who I normally have very negative thoughts about, Danyle Pearce, looked like he actually wanted to do the hard stuff. He needs to do that if he is stay at the Power. I was impressed with some of his efforts.

[MatteeG]

Yes, very sad news as a Power/Rodan fan.

Where has protection for the ball carrier gone, Franklin's trackle was marginally late and I was sure the AFL bought in a rule a few years back about pinning arms and slamming guys into the turf (maybe not quite as bad). I love hard tough football, but I think in that tackle and a few others I have seen recently where Franklin/tackling player has to have duty of care for the player.
Franklin too often thinks hitting someone marginally late is tough.

You cannot be serious, Franklins tackle on Rodan was about as soft as they get. I was sad when I saw Rodan come off with all he has been through but if you think the tackle had something to do with it you are wrong. Next thing you'll be saying all players who have had a significant injury in the past will get to wear a yellow headband which signifies they should not be contacted in any way.

Im sure buddy didnt puff his chest out after the tackle either 7 dog. Take a look at Dean Brogan and hitting small blokes before you start defining try-hard toughness!

[Footy Smart]

Yes, very sad news as a Power/Rodan fan.

Where has protection for the ball carrier gone, Franklin's trackle was marginally late and I was sure the AFL bought in a rule a few years back about pinning arms and slamming guys into the turf (maybe not quite as bad). I love hard tough football, but I think in that tackle and a few others I have seen recently where Franklin/tackling player has to have duty of care for the player.
Franklin too often thinks hitting someone marginally late is tough.

You cannot be serious, Franklins tackle on Rodan was about as soft as they get. I was sad when I saw Rodan come off with all he has been through but if you think the tackle had something to do with it you are wrong. Next thing you'll be saying all players who have had a significant injury in the past will get to wear a yellow headband which signifies they should not be contacted in any way.

Im sure buddy didnt puff his chest out after the tackle either 7 dog. Take a look at Dean Brogan and hitting small blokes before you start defining try-hard toughness!

Agree 100% Mattee, Buddy was commited to tackle and he contributed in no way to the injury! Matt Thomas is another one who tackles late... Nathan Basset and Trent Hentschel spring to mind

[Booney]

Yes, very sad news as a Power/Rodan fan.

Where has protection for the ball carrier gone, Franklin's trackle was marginally late and I was sure the AFL bought in a rule a few years back about pinning arms and slamming guys into the turf (maybe not quite as bad). I love hard tough football, but I think in that tackle and a few others I have seen recently where Franklin/tackling player has to have duty of care for the player.
Franklin too often thinks hitting someone marginally late is tough.

You cannot be serious, Franklins tackle on Rodan was about as soft as they get. I was sad when I saw Rodan come off with all he has been through but if you think the tackle had something to do with it you are wrong. Next thing you'll be saying all players who have had a significant injury in the past will get to wear a yellow headband which signifies they should not be contacted in any way.

Im sure buddy didnt puff his chest out after the tackle either 7 dog. Take a look at Dean Brogan and hitting small blokes before you start defining try-hard toughness!

Agree 100% Mattee, Buddy was commited to tackle and he contributed in no way to the injury!

Matt Thomas is another one who tackles late... Nathan Basset and Trent Hentschel spring to mind

Seriously, you dont watch any football, do you?

[Footy Smart]

Yes, very sad news as a Power/Rodan fan.

Where has protection for the ball carrier gone, Franklin's trackle was marginally late and I was sure the AFL bought in a rule a few years back about pinning arms and slamming guys into the turf (maybe not quite as bad). I love hard tough football, but I think in that tackle and a few others I have seen recently where Franklin/tackling player has to have duty of care for the player.
Franklin too often thinks hitting someone marginally late is tough.

You cannot be serious, Franklins tackle on Rodan was about as soft as they get. I was sad when I saw Rodan come off with all he has been through but if you think the tackle had something to do with it you are wrong. Next thing you'll be saying all players who have had a significant injury in the past will get to wear a yellow headband which signifies they should not be contacted in any way.

Im sure buddy didnt puff his chest out after the tackle either 7 dog. Take a look at Dean Brogan and hitting small blokes before you start defining try-hard toughness!

Agree 100% Mattee, Buddy was commited to tackle and he contributed in no way to the injury!

Matt Thomas is another one who tackles late... Nathan Basset and Trent Hentschel spring to mind

Seriously, you dont watch any football, do you?

?

[Drop Bear]

Knee injuries sure do suck the big one!

[valleys07]

You cannot be serious, Franklins tackle on Rodan was about as soft as they get. I was sad when I saw Rodan come off with all he has been through but if you think the tackle had something to do with it you are wrong.

Have to agree with you there mattee. The replay shows that franklins tackle right at the point of disposal slipped from his waist to upper legs, causing rodans knee to buckle from the follow through. Franklin can't be blamed for anything as it was just one of those unfortunate things in footy and Rodan has been the beneficiary (if you can call it that) of one too many of these.

Matt Thomas is another one who tackles late... Nathan Basset and Trent Hentschel spring to mind

Wow.....FS, bassett i can see merit but hentschel? jesus if the hentschel tackle wasnt committment and cant be put down to the most unfortunate of circumstances then i'll be stuffed, what a ridiculous comment.