PORT ADELAIDE supporters will get their first look at competitive action for 2022 at the club’s highly anticipated intraclub tomorrow.
Although AFL COVID-19 protocols have once again meant that public attendance will be limited, the game will be streamed live on portadelaidefc.com.au from midday where supporters will hear commentary and insight from Tim Ginever, Chris Dittmar and Tom Rockliff.
In a match where many have something to prove, we take a look at what to look out for on the park.
New blood
Port Adelaide will unveil a host of fresh faces running out in club colours for the first time.
All eyes will be on first round draftee Josh Sinn whose agility and line-breaking speed has him likely to make a case for senior selection sooner rather than later. Look out for him patrolling in the back half but he should see plenty of on-ball action in the middle as well.
Fellow draftees Dante Visentini and Jase Burgoyne have received high praise from teammates and will be looking to impress in their first competitive hit out for the club, while off-season pickup Sam Skinner will undoubtedly be wanting to show he’s match-ready at the AFL level.
No Charlie, but can talls still reign supreme?
We won’t see the usual dominance of powerhouse Charlie Dixon, however there’ll be no shortage of talented big guns up forward.
An experienced operator, new recruit Jeremy Finlayson provides a genuine target in front of goal and is sure to make his defender work. Look out for him in attack but don’t be surprised to see him spend some time in the ruck.
It will be hard to miss high-flying youngster Mitch Georgiades as he comes into his third season at the club. We anticipate him to be entrenched in the forward line where he’ll be wanting to prove he can be a key contributor in Dixon’s absence.
Versatile forward Todd Marshall is coming off a career-best year and will be looking to continue his positive trajectory. Keep an eye on not only his work in front of the sticks, but his ability to bring others into the game.
Welcome back
Port Adelaide’s flurry of young sophomore talent will be looking to show they’re ready to break the shackles this year and crack into the senior squad.
Father-son pick Jackson Mead will be looking for his AFL debut this year after a very strong pre-season at Alberton, displaying the composure and footy IQ that had him so highly touted in the draft. Between COVID-19 impacts on the SANFL and injury, Mead has had an interrupted start to his career and will be looking for this to be his breakout year.
Lachie Jones will be a welcome sight to the Port Adelaide faithful after showing glimpses of what he’s capable of in 2021. He will start down back, but don’t be surprised if the coaches expose him to more time around the ball where he’ll be crashing the contest and showing off that booming right foot.
Other youngsters to keep track of include 2021 debutants; speedster Jed McEntee and left-footed sharpshooter Dylan Williams.
Making midfield a home
After an increase in midfield usage last season, livewires Connor Rozee and Zak Butters will be looking to cement permanent spots in the centre.
Both players have spent their short careers split between the forward line and midfield but will be hoping to make an impact amongst the highly competitive midfield group tomorrow to see a shuffling of the magnets come Round 1.
They won’t be the only ones vying for midfield minutes, with captain Tom Jonas hinting that Dan Houston and Riley Bonner will be spending more time on-ball this year.
The young duo has previously occupied the defensive space however have both shown their clean ball use and ability to hit targets under pressure. Take note of where they spend their time tomorrow afternoon.
