THE Port Adelaide defence has had to withstand some tough games this year, with the Power surrendering high opposition entries into attack throughout the first 12 games.
They've held up well, and stories like the emergence of Jack Hombsch, Jasper Pittard's early beginning and Alipate Carlile's big jobs have been good tales to tell. Collectively though, there's plenty of work for Port's backmen to do in both the AFL and SANFL.
portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look back on the year of the backs so far, with Matthew Nicks and Stuart Cochrane.
5. Matthew Broadbent
Matthew Broadbent hasn't had his best year, but he's had a hand in the Power's five wins [pic: AFL Photos]
An important player in moving the ball from the half-back, his attacking drive and toughness has seen him play up the field too. While still a staple in the Power’s backline, he’s spent stints in the centre this season, which has allowed Travis Boak to move into a forward position when needed. Was omitted from the team after the loss to Brisbane but returned with a solid effort against Melbourne. His versatility is his asset.
“For Broady, it’s all about his game impact. He’s the sort of player that opposition put a lot of time into and he’s got to find a way to take that pressure and still have major influence on games.” – Matthew Nicks
12. Jackson Trengove
Injury has again hampered Jackson Trengove's year [pic: AFL Photos]
Injury setbacks have affected Trengove in 2015. The half-back missed the start of the season to a niggling shoulder injury, and again damaged his ankle in Round 8. Vocal down back, he’s known for his leadership, workhorse approach and ability to read the ball coming into defence. Building a consistent performance will be key to improving his form.
“We know what we get when Jacko’s at his best, unfortunately we haven’t been able to see it due to injury. Going forward we’re really confident that once he gets a few more games under his belt, we’ll start to see some of his strengths come out, which is his marking and turnover from opposition kicks.” – Matthew Nicks
13. Cam O'Shea
O'Shea has played the whole season in the SANFL [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
O’Shea has been a consistent performer for the Magpies this year. With time in both the backline and on the wing, he’s proven his flexibility across the ground, while his speed and endurance has been an asset to the Magpies in overrunning their opposition. After playing 12 games with the Power last year, he’s yet to earn an AFL recall this season.
“Cam’s starting to get some run back into his game and we’re going to need a lot of that run from him to be maintained in the second half of the season.” – Stuart Cochrane.
17. Tom Clurey
Clurey's year has been rewarded with an AFL opportunity and a two-year contract extension. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Starting 2015 as a tall defender in the SANFL backline, the youngster worked hard with the Maggies to secure another shot in the AFL after Trengove went down with injury. He spent three games with the Power in Rounds 8, 9 and 10, and while back in the SANFL continues to put pressure on more senior teammates.
“We’re just looking for him to maintain strength in the defensive contest. He’s also had an opportunity to play in that first half of the year with some run through the midfield - so he’s got a bit of flexibility in his game too.” – Stuart Cochrane
24. Jarman Impey
Jarman Impey had a bad injury early in the year but has worked his way back to play some good football [pic: AFL Photos]
Impey has had a solid start to the year by playing a number of different roles within the team. On paper a back pocket powerhouse, he’s taken on the challenge of moving upfield both on the wing and driving into the forward line. His speed and agility has proved crucial to moving the ball forward.
“The next step for Jarman is to really get his disposal to a level that’ll hurt the opposition. At the moment that’s probably the one area he needs to keep working on, but he’s an exciting prospect going forward for us.” – Matthew Nicks
25. Logan Austin
Logan Austin looks like he could have a promising future at Alberton [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Despite an injury-interrupted pre-season and first half of the season, Austin has hit the ground running as a first-year player in the Magpies’ back six. The tall centre half-back has shown clean skills and does an excellent job limiting the impact of the SANFL’s key forwards.
“We’re happy with the way he’s performed to this point, but we’re looking forward to the second half of the season to see if he can make it consistent and go to another level post-injury issues.” – Stuart Cochrane
27. Alipate Carlile
Alipate Carlile has had another strong season playing on the opposition's danger forwards [pic: AFL Photos]
The Power’s full back has been given some big jobs this year, negating some of the competition’s strongest key forwards. A solid, consistent performer, and gifted with footy smarts, he’ll need to take his game to a new level by becoming a damaging offensive runner additional to his strong defensive work.
“We know what we get from Bob, we get his leadership as well as his game knowledge and experience. He’s always there for us when we need a big job done, and we’ll keep looking for that going forward.” – Matthew Nicks
29. Jasper Pittard
Pittard started the season on fire, but his ball usage is an area he'll be working on [pic: AFL Photos]
Pittard’s early-season performance earned him much praise, playing strongly in the Power’s half-back line and as a target moving forward with speed. A particular area of focus in the second half of the year is his ball use - disposing efficiently and executing accurately at crucial moments in the game.
“He’s defended really well but most of the stuff we’re looking for with Jasper is his ball use. We notice when he goes missing – which is a good sign for him because it shows how important he is to us.” – Matthew Nicks
30. Sam Colquhoun
Colquhoun has returned from injury strongly. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Coming back from a season-ending knee injury in 2014, Colquhoun has earned his stripes in the AFL side after starting the year in the SANFL. An elite-level endurance runner, the talented defender has returned to full fitness and conditioning, bolstering the Power’s speed in the midfield during the second half of the season.
“He’s a really powerful runner and he knows how to find the footy - that’s what’s got him back into the Power side. Hopefully he can cement that spot, be strong in the contest, and provide us plenty of good ball use through the midfield and when he’s playing in defence.” - Stuart Cochrane
33. Darcy Byrne-Jones
Darcy Byrne-Jones is flying under the radar with the Magpies, but developing nicely [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
In his second year on the list, Byrne-Jones has become an expert at shutting down key players. His speed and agility means he’s had the opportunity to take on a tagging role. Has the ability to cut through traffic and break the lines.
“He’s lifted his game to another level this season - he’s been really consistent in his performances at half back. We’re really happy with the way he’s progressing and hoping he can be a really nasty shut down defender for us in the future.” – Stuart Cochrane
36. Jack Hombsch
Hombsch has been pick of the bunch among Port's AFL defenders so far this year [pic: AFL Photos]
Hombsch has been a standout for Port Adelaide side this year, proving himself as a dependable mainstay in the Power’s back line. It’s clear his confidence and maturity as a footballer have grown hand-in-hand with his performance. Continuously gets the job done and provides impact running forward, getting involved in all areas of the game.
“He’s been our standout for the year. For a guy who was previously on the fringe each week, he’s now locked himself in and if he keeps doing the small things, his strong form will continue.” – Matthew Nicks
42. Tom Jonas
Tom Jonas has been limited by a shorter pre-season [pic: AFL Photos]
It’s been a quiet start to the year for Jonas, following an interrupted preseason for the centre half back. The tough, big-bodied backman hasn’t quite managed progress his 2015 form, but remains a trusted staple in the Power’s back six.
“Often when you don’t get a full pre-season, it’s harder to get going and I think he’s in that boat. In saying that, he can hold his head high, he’s performed reasonably well but we’re looking for a lot more, as he is himself.” – Matthew Nicks
44. Tom Logan
He's a teacher, a teammate, and still the heart and soul of Alberton. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
The experienced campaigner is known for his courage and trademark Port Adelaide footy. He’s an inspiring competitor who instils confidence and determination into his younger Magpies teammates. He’s stayed fairly consistently in the back pocket and creates intense competition. His role on-field in the SANFL is as much as a teacher for much younger defenders as it is a teammate.
“A really consistent, reliable player for us – he really adds a lot of leadership and smarts in defence. He gives us a lot of confidence and is starting to spread his knowledge to the younger players.” – Stuart Cochrane
47. Sam Russell
Sam Russell is another player flying under the radar with solid efforts regularly. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Rookie-listed Russell started his second year after being sidelined for most of 2014 with a hamstring injury. Taking on the opposition’s most dangerous small forwards in the SANFL, he’s proving he can shut down the competition’s best while playing strong, disciplined footy.
“He’s probably only had about a season of footy under his belt, so he’s really impressed us in the fact that he’s been out for so long with injury -but he’s done a really good job in playing the role that we need him to.” – Stuart Cochrane
48. Nathan Krakouer
Krakouer has shown his worth at AFL level, but needs to develop his fitness long-term [pic: AFL Photos]
Starting 2015 in the SANFL side, rookie-listed Krakouer had his work cut out for him to earn an AFL call-up. He impressed in several Power appearances and was upgraded from the rookie list to face the Kangaroos in Round 3, and as a ‘nominated rookie’ in Round 12. Now a key member of the Power’s back line, his clean skills and natural football ability are an asset, but he’ll need to keep working on his fitness to have a major impact going forward.
“He’s got skills, vision and awareness like no one else. He’s a genuine footballer and we need to turn him into an athlete to be able to keep up with the game as it is today. There’s a little bit of work to do but he’s a really exciting package.” – Matthew Nicks
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