Port Adelaide 2016

[amber_fluid]

With Lobbe now out, Shultz already out, Ryder gone already, Dixon rucking more on the weekend...... What chance Butcher to play?
What was the point of keeping him if he doesn't play now?
They kept him for backup, yeah?
Backup now required more than ever!

[valleys07]

Round 6 Review vs. Richmond- Captain Boak, Polly and a Krakouer.

Port Adelaide 13.16.94
Richmond 8.11.59

Goals- Impey 3, Dixon, Neade, Young 2, Broadbent, Westhoff, Boak, Krakouer 1.

What a miraculous weekend of sport. A summer that has captured the hearts of every sporting fan in the world forever hoping that one day, a little minnow could take it up to the big boys and rise to the top. What a season for 2 clubs in particular, which culminated in fairy tales beyond our wildest imaginations, one clubs season in particular that will surely have its own movie script written. The stories of both Leicester City and Adelaide United bring hope to the average sports fan that teamwork, mateship and a fierce desire to defy adversity will prevail over the almighty dollar. I mean- Leicester’s starting XI are on a combined salary of $31 million pound. Add another 3 in front of that to match Manchester United- yet we are crowning the Foxes Premier League Champions. United have had possibly the most remarkable turnaround in my time following any code. Winless after 8 rounds, one loss really from Amor being shown the door- 5 months later- Champions. Phenominal.

Why am I talking about this? For all the dribble that is being spoken about how the top 8 is set in the AFL, just 6 rounds into the season, one needn’t look further than these 2 clubs as proof that it isn’t over until its mathematically impossible. Port Adelaide are living on the edge, but where there is a will there is a way.

One major thing can be taken from this game. Richmond are dead set ordinary. I mean with Port missing Ryder, Monfries, Lobbe, Schulz, Wingard, Gray, White, Carlile and Trengove, and they serve up that? As Titus O'Reilly mentioned- If you know of a Richmond fan- pay a visit to their place and replace all sharp objects with alcohol. Pag, Fourth Estate- are you going ok?

I must admit I was puzzled by our decisions at the selection table, and thought that it would consign us to a loss before the game was played. Pre-game I thought we went in far too small with Howard, Stewart and O’Shea to play Key Position, and I really didn’t understand the Impey selection. Howard predictably got demolished in the ruck in terms of hit-out’s however at least provided a contest around the ground, but Ken put extreme faith in Paul Stewart and Cam O’Shea to do a job, and both impressed me. The selection of Impey up forward, and his subsequent performance, has that Shane Ellen tactical masterstroke feel about it. Another string to the young fella’s bow, as well as the coaching staff now knowing there is another variation to our match-ups.

The significant change which brought about the weekend’s result was effort. We went into this contest seriously small, and brought in an elite user of the footy in Krakouer. Our key to success was to win the contested footy and run it hard with aggressive ball movement to split the Tigers open and create one on one contests, or generate goals out over the back. Should the Tigers win the footy, Krakouer, Hombsch, Byrne-Jones and Pittard (combined for 13 Rebound 50’s) would be the target for defensive release to ensure minimal turnovers, to allow our counter-press to structure itself.
Numbers from Saturday’s game:

Lost Disposals 377-355
Lost Clearances 45-39 (Centre 9-16)
Lost Hitout’s 24-64
Won Inside 50’s 62-54
Won Marks Inside 50 13-6
Lost Contested Possession 145-161
Won Tackles 99-71 (inside 50 15-13)

We chased and tackled relentlessly (recording 99 tackles for the game, 2nd only to our effort against St. Kilda in Round 1), and when we turned the ball over, we ran. And ran. And ran some more. Workrate that hasn’t been seen so far this year. People can argue that Richmond’s workrate, effort at the contest and ball use was well below par, and that is a fair assessment. I didn’t end up seeing the final number, but I do know that approaching 3 quarter time, 7 of our 9 goals up to that point were a direct result of turnovers. Discussion in previous reviews have focused on Port’s “Counter Press”. Early on in the game, we got a look at how our Counter-Press structures live, and its intent to stifle quick ball movement from the opposition:

Counter-Press.png (750.32 KiB) Viewed 1799 times

The above Diagram is basically this:

Counter-Press 2.jpg (64.17 KiB) Viewed 1799 times

Each player is set up in a triangle to cut off passing lanes, forcing the long kick down the line. In this instance, Paul Stewart is the player near the top of the AFL logo, and Bachar Houli directed this kick to that one on one contest. Stewart fumbled the possession over the boundary line, but had he taken clean possession, 3 players are already in space for the quick transition and subsequent forward 50 entry. Counter-Press set-up at its finest, now for the execution.

Player Reviews:

Top 5:

Jared Polec- (23D,6M,3R50,4I50)- Outstanding return game from Jared. Hopefully Ken gave him the rocket he deserved behind closed doors, and it turns out to be the kickstart to his season. Was in absolutely everything in the first 2 ½ quarters before fading out in the last, but by then Richmond were broken and the last quarter was just a procession. What really impressed me was his contested work, which is something Polly is not renown for. 10 contested possessions and 4 tackles is a huge step in the right direction. I said this 2 weeks ago, but for the love of good, more of that please Jared.

Matthew Broadbent- (25D,8CL,7I50,1.2)- Ken has made the move into the midfield in the past, but seriously has to look at sticking with it. With the emergence of DBJ and the stability of Pittard, I believe we have enough variation between offence and defence in our back 6 to enable Brogs to have more midfield time. A team high 8 clearances and 7 inside 50’s which included a monster goal. Get the ball in his hands on the fast break, and we will see ourselves generating more inside 50’s, and more importantly, more 1 on 1 inside 50 contests or situations where players such as Impey, Neade and Young can sneak out over the back for “joe the goose” goals.

Oliver Wines- (20D,4M,5CL,7T,4I50)- Kicked the behind of the evening, and was in everything in the first half when the game was up for grabs. Strong as an Ox around the contest. 2 really solid games from Ollie, working towards what we know he can produce.

Travis Boak- (22D,3M,4CL,4T,5I50,1.0)- 14 uncontested possessions, which is great to see from Trav as he is working harder on the outside to create forward 50 entries. Another big step in the right direction for Trav. What the hell was he thinking calling for the handball in the goalsquare when Westy took the mark in the 1st quarter.

Jarman Impey- (13D,6M,4T,3I50,3.0)- Jars didn’t have a huge night by numbers, but this move won us the game for mine. No Robbie, No Chad, No Port? Not quite. Jars added a significant string to his bow on Saturday night, not only was he able to use his speed to great effect in generating forward 50 pressure (2 tackles inside 50) and to get out over the back to hit the scoreboard, but he also registered 6 score involvements and 3 inside 50’s by working up the ground and getting involved in our forward 50 entries. Hopefully gets another crack up forward this week to try and back it up, with Robbie definitely a week away from returning.

The Rest:

Hamish Hartlett- (22D,4M,5CL,4T)- I feel like a broken record when speaking of Hamish in the “just another “run of the mill” type of performance. Was more noticeable in the 2nd half around the contest exerting a physical presence and using his skill to great effect, running at near 80% DE this week.

Justin Westhoff- (21D,8M(4CM),4R50,1.2)- Partook in the evenings most shambolic moment. What was Boak doing calling for the handball, and what the hell was Westy thinking in giving it to him?!?!. Followed up with a shocking miss 5 minutes later and I thought “here we go..”. To his credit- he rebounded strongly, took some fantastic contested marks, ensured he stayed involved in the game for the entire 4 quarters, and probably unlucky not to make my best. Great game.

Cam O’Shea- (20D,5M,4R50,3I50)- Followed up his inept performance against the Cats with a pretty decent game. Provided us with plenty of rebound from the back half, and formed part of the defensive wall that conceded 3 goals after half time.

Jasper Pittard- (20D,6M,4T,5I50)- Tearing sh*t up down back this season. Is an absolute rock defensively and his ball use and decision making has improved out of sight this season, running at 90% DE on Saturday night. AA Form.

Darcy Byrne-Jones- (16D,4M,3R50,3T)- This bloke is becoming a cult hero by the week, and is now firmly entrenched in our back 6. 2 moments in Darcy’s game absolutely shone for me, showing that it is the little things he does that has taken him to where he is at this point, and the little things where Port Adelaide have been lacking in 2016. 1st moment was his attack on the footy, winning a fiercely contested ball ahead of Steven Morris on the members wing and spinning out of the contest and kicking forward. 2nd was a moment where Tyrone Vickery took a mark on centre wing and had Richmond players streaming forward looking like a certain scoring opportunity. DBJ did more than enough on the mark to stop the quick movement, force Vickery back which gave Pittard the extra 2 seconds needed to effect the spoil over the boundary line from Vickery’s kick. I love what this bloke brings to the side- some senior players could do with watching the way he goes about it and take a leaf out of his book.

Brad Ebert- (16D,3M,3R50,7T,3I50)- Tough inside, with 7 tackles, and worked hard on the outside to give us plenty of run with 14 uncontested possessions.

Sam Gray- (16D,3M,4CL,7T,3I50)- Disposal efficiency is becoming a glaring issue now. Even when Richmond were exerting minimal defensive pressure, he would continue to overrun the footy, or burn the footy through rushed kicks. You can’t give the footy up so easily, especially since it’s seemingly a difficult task for Port Adelaide just to win the ball to begin with.

Brendon Ah Chee- (15D,4M,7T,6I50)- He will have moments in games that leave me open mouthed. His handball is often the catalyst, and his handball which opened up Boak, which inturn lead to Impey’s open goal was brilliant awareness. Played more across half forward this week and took some strong grabs. Has great skills in space, so his 6 inside 50s and 6 score involvements were a pleasing aspect of his game.

Nathan Krakouer- (14D,5M,4R50,5T,1.0)- How was the one step dob from 50!! Has a lot of respect still to be earned and I thought he went a fair way to re-gaining that on Saturday night. Has reportedly worked really hard to get back into the side, and was rewarded with what was considered a risky selection given his lack of match fitness. Was classy with footy in hand (which is something we have seriously lacked thus far), and I thought he defended really well, epitomised by his chase down tackle in the last quarter.

Paul Stewart- (14D,3M,3T,4 x 1%)- I thought Stewy was rock solid in defence. Barely gave Lloyd an inch all night and was solid with ball in hand. Admirable game.

Charlie Dixon- (14D,5M(5CM)3T,2.1)- A mammoth effort from the big fella, and got reward for some hard work. Was playing as our only forward, was pinch hitting in the ruck, was working up to CHB to take pack marks from our kick outs- he did it all. I get the sense he is beginning to settle into his role now that the media attention has relented and he is beginning to get used to the structures, and the movements of his team mates around him. I probably enjoyed his contested mark against Chaplin in the last quarter a little bit too much. I might ping him an email….

Jimmy Toumpas- (14D,5M,8T,5I50)- An important cog in the machine I thought. Wasn’t outstanding but will continue to get praise from me when he works hard to move into space, keeps presenting and tries to get things moving. A team high 8 tackles, 21 pressure acts- I’ll be the lone duck in backing him in, because I don’t expect him to dominate games, just play his role. Playing his role is what he is doing.

Tom Jonas- (13D,3R50,3T,9 x 1%)- A few have had Jonas in their best, and it’s a reasonable assessment. Dominated Vickery and looked to take the game on with every opportunity. He is the player most under the pump for mine to hold his spot, especially if we look to work Trengove and Bobby back into the side over the next month.

Jack Hombsch- (12D,4M,5R50,5T,20 x 1%,4I50)- A mammoth 20 one percenters, just dominated Jack after he got on top early with a goal and a mark or 2. Got back to his best with his offensive movement also- something that has been missing from his game over the last fortnight.

Aaron Young- (11D,5M,5T,2.0)- When matched up against the 3rd or 4th defender, he can be quite influential on the contest. Very good in the air, runs hard offensively and can get out over the back, and offers good defensive pressure. Is averaging career highs for disposals (no surprise given the frequency of the green vest), but has kicked 11 goals thus far, 2nd only to Dixon.

Dougal Howard- (8D,2M,8HO,3CL,4T)- Look, it’s evident that he has a lot of developing to do in order to compete and compete well at the top level-but what he has is a fierce appetite for the contest and great workrate. With Lobbe out of the side for at least 3 months, we need to get used to the idea of a 4 prong ruck line up of Howard, Trengove, Dixon and Westhoff. It’s not ideal, but it is unpredictable. We got done in hit-out’s 64-24 on Saturday night, yet lost clearances 45-39. Was it Richmond’s midfield being less than pathetic, or was it Howard/Dixon and Westhoff nullifying any effective hitouts?

Jake Neade- (6D,4T,2.0)- 2 goals was just reward for a fantastic game of pressure footy. That is his niche, Neade, and he delivered upon expectation. Harrassed and pressured Richmond to poor decision making out of defensive 50, and turnovers resulting in goals.

This week sees us take on Brisbane, who would have taken a fair bit of confidence from their 3 point loss against the Swans, knowing they can match it with the best sides in the competition. Brisbane haven’t won away from the GABBA since Round 6 2015 (Against Carlton), and had an average losing margin away from home in 2015 of 57 points. Their only 2 visits to AO have seen them lose by a combined total of 200 points. Their 2016 matches away from the GABBA have also seen an average losing margin of 62 points. Not great form away from home it has to be said.

Dayne Zorko will be a marked man on Sunday, having been in scintillating form this season averaging 25 touches and a goal a game. Pearce Hanley has put together 2 really good performances against Sydney and Gold Coast, and Tommy Rockliff is starting to re-gain some touch with 32 possessions against Sydney. Brisbane also look like regaining the services of Dayne Beams for his first match of 2016. Stefan Martin will be licking his lips with a potential match-up against rookie Dougal Howard, a selection that Ken will look at very closely.

Port no doubt would be looking to atone for last year’s aberration, and will re-gain the services of Jackson Trengove after serving a one week ban, and
Chad Wingard will face a fitness test as a result of delayed concussion. Should these 2 players return, I would expect One of Stewart or Howard to make way for Jackson, and potentially Sam Gray to find himself on the outer for Wingard.

A win this weekend won’t instil in me a huge amount of confidence that this side has what it takes to shake the competition. 2 in a row will undoubtedly give this group some belief that they are getting results after what was a pretty tough month between Rounds 2-5.

Could this be the beginning of our United story?

See you at the footy. Carn Ports.

Valleys.

[Rik E Boy]

Well written, but Port and Richmond are screwed.

regards,

REB

[bennymacca]

I don't even know why it bothers me so much, as I have no personal connection to the guy, but it really pisses me off when people use material from Titus o'reilly and try to pass it off as their own.


@titusoreily
Just popping over to a Richmond supporting friend's house and replacing everything sharp with alcohol. #AFLTigersPower

[Wedgie]

Bit overboard about the spending of soccer clubs.
Adelaide United has spent millions more over the years than clubs like Central Coast and even Leicester have spent more than £100 in net transfer spending than Tottenham in the last 5 years.

[valleys07]

I don't even know why it bothers me so much, as I have no personal connection to the guy, but it really pisses me off when people use material from Titus o'reilly and try to pass it off as their own.


@titusoreily
Just popping over to a Richmond supporting friend's house and replacing everything sharp with alcohol. #AFLTigersPower

I thought I sighted Titus- my apologies.

[bennymacca]

No worries, you have significant credits in the bank

[valleys07]

No worries, you have significant credits in the bank

Post edited.

Definitely not my material but very true

[valleys07]

Hinkley has confirmed our starting 22.

Amon didn't make the cut, and he makes way along with Sam Gray and Dougal Howard.

Wingard and Trengove are the in's.

I am expecting us to be reasonably competitive in centre bounces and stoppages this week. Jacko/Westy and Dixon vs. Martin and Josh Walker. Jacko has been named first ruck, and whilst it is not his forte, he has proven he can impact games whilst in there. Our mids might get first use this week

[bennymacca]

Going in with zero ruckmen against Martin seems very risky. Maybe they were worried he would be too mobile for Howard?

[valleys07]

Going in with zero ruckmen against Martin seems very risky. Maybe they were worried he would be too mobile for Howard?

It is a big risk, but one where Ken and the coaching staff see greater reward in both the short and long term. Howard is still very raw and Ken has said from the get go that he is mindful not to wear him out.

Given we lost the hitout's 64-24 last week and our midfielders played primarily to negate Richmond's midfield, it's probably a bigger risk to go with the same strategy against a Martin/Rockliff/Beams/Zorko first choice midfield. Jacko in there can at least combat Martin for strength, and can match him in leap, which would at least give our mids a chance at first look.

[marbles]

they finally win a game cos they finally put in a ruckman with endeavour

the kid wins his first game and he gets dumped

meanwhile useless trengrove comes in to load up their spud factor once again

is it cos they have spuds on the coaching panel that they require spuds on the field too?

more power to brisbane, dont be surprised if lions get up #beams

[carey]

they finally win a game cos they finally put in a ruckman with endeavour

the kid wins his first game and he gets dumped

meanwhile useless trengrove comes in to load up their spud factor once again

is it cos they have spuds on the coaching panel that they require spuds on the field too?

more power to brisbane, dont be surprised if lions get up #beams

So Howard won the game did he? I guess losing hit outs by over 40 does that.

You speaking of spuds lol #potkettleblack

[Dogwatcher]

Bit overboard about the spending of soccer clubs.
Adelaide United has spent millions more over the years than clubs like Central Coast and even Leicester have spent more than £100 in net transfer spending than Tottenham in the last 5 years.

C'mon, is this the best shot you can manage at Adelaide United this week?

[carey]

they finally win a game cos they finally put in a ruckman with endeavour

the kid wins his first game and he gets dumped

meanwhile useless trengrove comes in to load up their spud factor once again

is it cos they have spuds on the coaching panel that they require spuds on the field too?

more power to brisbane, dont be surprised if lions get up #beams

Interested to hear your review of 'useless spud' Trengrove's game.

[marbles]

they finally win a game cos they finally put in a ruckman with endeavour

the kid wins his first game and he gets dumped

meanwhile useless trengrove comes in to load up their spud factor once again

is it cos they have spuds on the coaching panel that they require spuds on the field too?

more power to brisbane, dont be surprised if lions get up #beams

Interested to hear your review of 'useless spud' Trengrove's game.

Heard he played well. Finally earnt his 500,000 a year for change. Trimmed his beard too he's obviously been reading my advice

You been sleeping with any of your best mates missus this week carey?

[Spargo]

[Booney]

they finally win a game cos they finally put in a ruckman with endeavour

the kid wins his first game and he gets dumped

meanwhile useless trengrove comes in to load up their spud factor once again

is it cos they have spuds on the coaching panel that they require spuds on the field too?

more power to brisbane, dont be surprised if lions get up #beams

Interested to hear your review of 'useless spud' Trengrove's game.

Heard he played well. Finally earnt his 500,000 a year for change. Trimmed his beard too he's obviously been reading my advice

You been sleeping with any of your best mates missus this week carey?

[MW]

[woodublieve12]

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