A LOOK at what the fans of the Port Adelaide Football Club took out of our 50-point victory over Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
- Port Adelaide’s new recruits add value to the side. Jack Watts claimed the Power’s first goal of the day, Steven Motlop the second after showing his pace, while Tom Rockliff kicked truly from a set shot. Watts and Motlop were among the side’s best on the day, contributing a combined five goals and 39 disposals.
- Dom Barry is the recruit most underrated externally, but certainly not by those within Port Adelaide. The 24-year-old is making the most of his second chance in the AFL and showcased speed, agility, running power and a hunger for the ball with 22 disposals and five marks.
- Dougal Howard’s move to defence is paying dividends. The 22-year-old equalled his own AFL record for one-percenters - which include gutsy defensive acts like spoils, smothers, shepherds and knock-ons. His 22 against the Dockers equalling the number he achieved in the 2017 Elimination Final as the most by any player in a single match.
- Riley Bonner is a star. Showing skill and composure which belies his experience, the fifth-gamer had a team-high 31 possessions at 81% efficiency. The 21-year-old should hold his spot for the foreseeable future as well, given the injury suffered by Jasper Pittard, who he models his game on.
- Ken Hinkley’s decision to back in young talent at the tail end of 2017 will likely pay dividends this season, especially if the game against Fremantle is anything to go by. Sam Powell-Pepper again showed his ability to harass and bully his opponents while racking up possessions, but it was the form of Howard, Bonner and young forward Todd Marshall, who kicked a career-high four goals, that would be most pleasing.
More on portadelaidefc.com.au...
