Jasper is probably leading the Power’s B&F
Touted as an All-Australian half-back, Jasper Pittard’s career-best season has been one characterised by some starring performances running off half back. The Power is richer for his continued improvement as a rebounding defender, and his ability to create opportunity forward of centre with his blistering pace has been crucial in their wins.
Off all their deficiencies, consistency is the Power’s biggest
Consistency – not just in games, but game-to-game – has been the Power’s Achilles heel. Yes, players have been swapped out nearly as often as the Power has changed opponents, but even with a relatively stable side bereft of its top line talent, the Power has struggled to play four quarters at the same level of intensity. It’s a problem area that will be Port’s first focus for the second half of the year.
There is some legit talent in the Power’s stocks
Darcy Byrne-Jones and Dougal Howard have particularly impressed this year. Byrne-Jones, now with a Rising Star nomination, is the obvious front runner for the Power’s Gavin Wanganeen Medal given his über consistent season.
We’ve also seen Aaron Young and Jarman Impey flourish in new roles, which has given a silver lining to the Power’s challenging star to the year.
Port has one ruckman left
Maybe two, depending on how you look at it. Billy Frampton is the only bonafide ruck option currently available, with Matthew Lobbe and Dougal Howard now both injured (and of course Paddy Ryder out of the mix through suspension). Frampton, as a ruck, is still young and developing and would still be a way of a potential debut. That leaves Jackson Trengove as the Power’s main option – a good option, but not the ideal one.
The Power can mix it with the top teams when they brings their top game
But that is the challenge for the rest of the year. Clearly – as with its clashes with West Coast and the Bulldogs – Port can mix it with the top flight.
Is it worthy of being called a top-eight side? Arguably at this stage, no, and Ken Hinkley and the players wouldn’t shy away from that evaluation (and yes, we know the Power sit ninth on the ladder).
Can Port Adelaide become a top eight side? The mathematics are stacked against them; now trailing West Coast by two matches.
Can Port Adelaide play top eight football? Certainly, but it requires a healthy list (something that has been elusive in 2016) and, most importantly, consistency. Port can beat fellow bottom 10 sides, but it’s the lack of scalping the pack leaders that has been most this year.
