DOUGAL Howard, Darcy Byrne-Jones and Karl Amon all impressed Ken Hinkley in Port Adelaide’s internal trial game on Friday.
While Hinkley felt he was delivered an expected standard by his mature players, it was the pluck shown by those further down Port’s pecking order that impressed him the most.
Internal trials are often likened to dancing with one’s sister, but Hinkley had plenty to take away from the game, which ended in a 61-point blowout in favour of the ‘Black’ team on Friday evening.
“You get two or three blokes who stand up and do some good things, they get some confidence, and that’s good for you” Hinkley said.
“It doesn’t hurt to play good footy - whether it’s an internal or not.”
Howard played just half of last year’s SANFL season where he was thrown around a number of positions as a tall resource for the Magpies.
Last night he played in the ruck and as a key forward, finishing the night a multiple goal kicker.
“I was realy impressed with ‘Dougs,’” Hinkley said.
“[With] the disappointment of losing Paddy and Gus, we’ve actually had a couple of players who’ve had to play some slightly different football.
“Dougs, we’ve thrown in the ruck, and by gee he’s made some good steps forward.
“He’s only a young player – a second-year player – we’ve re-signed him and we’re excited by what his future might look like.”
Mid/forward Karl Amon and running defender Darcy Byrne-Jones also caught the eye of Hinkley on the night.
The pair have been having strong pre-seasons on the track ahead of their third year at Alberton.
“You expect certain things from the older players, and they play the way they play,” Hinkley said.
“Dougal did well, Karl Amon did well… Darcy Byrne-Jones I thought played pretty well.
“When you’re a coach in an internal you look for the breakthrough games from the younger blokes.”
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