Port 2014 - Pre-Season/General Discussion

[valleys07]

12. Jackson Trengove
AFL Stats:
2014 Games: 20
2014 Disposals: 271 (13 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks: 70 (3 marks p.g)
2014 Goals: 1

Career: 98 Games, 8 Goals

Fast becoming my favourite PAFC player. Jackson epitomises everything that PAFC players need to stand for. A natural leader, determined, tough and uncompromising in pursuit of success. His importance to the side was never more evident than once he was out of it. He and Carlisle’s absence from the back 6 saw us lose 4 from 5 games between (and including) the 2nd showdown and his return in round 20. A marshall of our defence, capable of being swung forward to stretch opposition defences, and being thrown into the ruck (his last quarter demolition of Sandilands in round 8, a highlight)- he is arguably Port Adelaide’s most important player, and crucial to our premiership chances in 2015.

[valleys07]

9. Robbie Gray
AFL Stats:
2014 Games: 25
2014 Disposals: 622 (25 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks: 97 (4 marks p.g)
2014 Goals: 42 (2 goals p.g)

Career: 115 Games, 161 Goals

There isn’t much more to say about the 2014 season of Robbie Gray. Arguably the finest individual season from a PAFC player at AFL level, Gray amassed the Best & Fairest award, his first AA selection, and the most prestigious accolade- the AFL Coaches Association MVP award. Gray’s ability to influence the contest, both in the midfield and forward, somewhat re-invented the role of the high half forward, and some of his stoppage/clearance work, and smoothness in traffic- left me in awe. Deserves to be spoken of among the games elite players.

[valleys07]

8. Hamish Hartlett
AFL Stats:
2014 Games: 22
2014 Disposals: 472 (21 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks: 101 (4 marks p.g)
2014 Goals: 21 (1 goal p.g)

Career: 90 Games, 56 Goals

44 of Hamish’s 90 games have come over the last 2 season. We are finally seeing reward for a healthy body, and he is starting to show why we selected him with pick 4 in the 2008 draft. Sublime skills with a booming right foot- Hamish showed in the 1st showdown what can happen when you let him unaccounted for. Am hoping to see him finish top 5 in the Best & Fairest for 2015, he certainly has the talent to do so.

[valleys07]

7. Brad Ebert
AFL Stats:
2014 Games: 25
2014 Disposals: 555 (22 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks: 121 (5 marks p.g)
2014 Goals: 13

Career: 147 Games, 76 Goals

2014 was somewhat of a mixed season for Ebo. Despite accumulating over 550 disposals this season (5th for PA) and a blistering start to the season (which included a 40 possession effort against Sydney), his 2nd half to the season was poor by his standards. As vice captain of the football club, 2015 shapes as a massive season for Ebo to make his presence felt in this growing midfield.

[valleys07]

6. Angus Monfries
AFL Stats:
2014 Games: 17
2014 Disposals: 220 (13 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks: 65 (4 marks p.g)
2014 Goals: 21 (1 goal p.g)

Career: 191 Games, 225 Goals

With his 2nd season at the PAFC not quite as rewarding as his first- Angus still proves to be an important cog in our forwardline. His season was interrupted with a hamstring tear in round 3, and never seemed to regain touch upon his return to the side, registering just 2 goals between rounds 13-23. Had an admirable 2014 finals series, averaging 13 disposals and 2 goals. Hopefully a big pre-season along with the supplements saga, which has no doubt been weighing him down, is resolved, allowing him to contribute greatly to our 2015 campaign.

[valleys07]

5. Matthew Broadbent
AFL Stats:
2014 Games: 25
2014 Disposals: 459 (18 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks: 117 (4 marks p.g)
2014 Goals: 3

Career: 104 Games, 40 Goals

Another consistent season from Brogs, finishing the season voted 30th in Mike Sheahan’s top 50, shocking even the most ardent Port fan. Showed that when left unaccounted for in defensive 50, he has a lethal right foot, helping set up multiple attacking forays. An important member of our back 6.

[valleys07]

1. Travis Boak (Captain)
AFL Stats:
2014 Games- 24
2014 Disposals- 644 (27 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks- 88 (3 marks p.g)
2014 Goals- 19

Career- 155 Games, 93 Goals

Oh captain, my captain. Another sensational season from Travis- Dual AA selections, 2nd successive top 3 placing in the Best & Fairest, Fos Williams Medallist and 4th in the Brownlow- his highest ever placing. Travis lead the club with distinction in 2014, often amongst our best players, and influential in most contests when having to deal with a hard tag- with really only Ryan Crowley getting the better of him. Just continues to impress every Port Adelaide fan with his attitude and persona. His immediate dissatisfaction following the Preliminary Final suggests he will again be putting this team on his back over the summer in an effort to progress 2 steps further.

[RustyCage]

Sensational work valleys!

[bennymacca]

yep great work valleys

[cracka]

1. Travis Boak (Captain)
AFL Stats:
2014 Games- 24
2014 Disposals- 644 (27 disposals p.g)
2014 Marks- 88 (3 marks p.g)
2014 Goals- 19

Career- 155 Games, 93 Goals

Oh captain, my captain. Another sensational season from Travis- Dual AA selections, 2nd successive top 3 placing in the Best & Fairest, Fos Williams Medallist and 4th in the Brownlow- his highest ever placing. Travis lead the club with distinction in 2014, often amongst our best players, and influential in most contests when having to deal with a hard tag- with really only Ryan Crowley getting the better of him. Just continues to impress every Port Adelaide fan with his attitude and persona. His immediate dissatisfaction following the Preliminary Final suggests he will again be putting this team on his back over the summer in an effort to progress 2 steps further.

He is up there with Hodge as an inspirational leader that when the team needs someone to lift them, he's the man, as well as being a talented player when in normal play.

[am Bays]

Sorry, no one is up there with Hodge.

[Ruben Carter]

Sorry, Boak is......I

[smac]

No he's not.

Might get there. But no, he's not.

[woodublieve12]

Sorry, Boak is......I

Boak not even close...

[valleys07]

Sorry, Boak is......I

Boak not even close...

As a complete player? you're right- not even close. Until he walks away with multiple AA selections, multiple B&F's, a couple of flags he can then lay claim. I wont worry about Norm Smiths. Playing your role in a flag gets you a 1/22 shot at that medal (sometimes more considering winners from losing sides).

As an inspirational leader to his group? Extremely close. Since Boak has taken over the captaincy, there have been multiple games where we have been fighting to win from behind, and he just picks his team on his back and drags them to a win (WCE R5 2013, 1st showdown of the same season). Not to mention he is by far our most consistent player in winning sides. Sets a benchmark for his team, demands perfection and craves success. Mirrors everything that Luke Hodge is, as a leader to a group of young men.

[General Soreness]

Sorry, Boak is......I

Boak not even close...

As a complete player? you're right- not even close. Until he walks away with multiple AA selections, multiple B&F's, a couple of flags he can then lay claim. I wont worry about Norm Smiths. Playing your role in a flag gets you a 1/22 shot at that medal (sometimes more considering winners from losing sides).

As an inspirational leader to his group? Extremely close. Since Boak has taken over the captaincy, there have been multiple games where we have been fighting to win from behind, and he just picks his team on his back and drags them to a win (WCE R5 2013, 1st showdown of the same season). Not to mention he is by far our most consistent player in winning sides. Sets a benchmark for his team, demands perfection and craves success. Mirrors everything that Luke Hodge is, as a leader to a group of young men.

I agree with valleys, Boak is just as good a leader as Hodge, and IMO will one day be just as good a player. Right now, Hodge is just ahead but I think Boak's not far behind.

[Chuck Wepner]

Sorry, Boak is......I

Boak not even close...

I generally agree with you, but I think you're wrong this time.
Boak is very close to being as good as Hodge.

[woodublieve12]

You port supporters concerned about possibly losing monfries and Ryder? Serious questionn

[carey]

You port supporters concerned about possibly losing monfries and Ryder? Serious questionn

Not really.

For the simple reason, I have faith in the off field powers that be that, They surely would've looked in to this possibility when recruiting Ryder. Montfries on the other hand, Easy come easy go. He gets rubbed out for a bit opens a door S.Grey who as it stands isn't in the best 22 so like for like.

[daysofourlives]

You port supporters concerned about possibly losing monfries and Ryder? Serious questionn

Not really.

For the simple reason, I have faith in the off field powers that be that, They surely would've looked in to this possibility when recruiting Ryder. Montfries on the other hand, Easy come easy go. He gets rubbed out for a bit opens a door S.Grey who as it stands isn't in the best 22 so like for like.

Could be just the start of a horror season for the Power, take 2 out suspended, add some early season injuries to key players, they could be 0/5