Port Adelaide forward coach Garry Hocking says Brett Ebert’s return to AFL football has shown promise but the popular small forward will need to increase his attacking pressure if he is to become a permanent starter in the Power side.
After finishing last year as a potential mid-forward mainstay, Ebert endured a bout of tonsilitis and later hamstring tendonitis during a hampered pre-season.
After a number of consistent performances with Port Adelaide's SANFL side, he returned as the sub against Fremantle and played the full game against North Melbourne - kicking one goal.
[ Related: Ones to Watch ]
Hocking expects Ebert to have an impact against the Gold Coast this week as he continues his journey towards cementing a place in the Power’s first 22.
“As with last week (against North Melbourne) we’d hope he can put pressure on the forward line when he gets the opportunity, to work hard up the ground and give us some lead ups through the middle part of the ground,” said Hocking.
“We want him working in with Schulz, Snowy (Daniel Stewart) and Westy (Justin Westhoff) in the air and on the ground - maybe picking up an odd goal or two.”
Hocking says that while the coaching panel doesn’t expect Ebert to immediately return to form in the early stages, they do expect his performance to improve.
“We’re not expecting massive things from him yet but we just want him to continue his reasonable form from last week,” said Hocking.
As the Power searches for the right forward mix with a long-term injury to Robbie Gray, Hocking confirmed that Ebert will be given the opportunity to present on the field and justify his selection for the rest of the year.
[ Related: Robbie's Road To Recovery ]
“He’s had some body issues in the past - it hasn’t been completely right for him - he’s always had bits of illness or soreness from the last couple of years and that’s prevented him having a consistent run at it.”
“Hopefully we’ve got him back in the side (longer term) and if he performs he’ll be able to stay in the side and put pressure on other people.
“We don’t want to bring him in for one week and then leave him and not give another opportunity, but we’re looking for more from him - bit more forward pressure, more marks and shots on goal.”
Ebert has been named on the bench against the Suns for Saturday’s game at Metricon Stadium.
Hocking expects Ebert to have an impact against the Gold Coast this week as he continues his journey towards cementing a place in the Power’s first 22.
“As with last week (against North Melbourne) we’d hope he can put pressure on the forward line when he gets the opportunity, to work hard up the ground and give us some lead ups through the middle part of the ground,” said Hocking.
“We want him working in with Schulz, Snowy (Daniel Stewart) and Westy (Justin Westhoff) in the air and on the ground - maybe picking up an odd goal or two.”
Hocking says that while the coaching panel doesn’t expect Ebert to immediately return to form in the early stages, they do expect his performance to improve.
“We’re not expecting massive things from him yet but we just want him to continue his reasonable form from last week,” said Hocking.
As the Power searches for the right forward mix with a long-term injury to Robbie Gray, Hocking confirmed that Ebert will be given the opportunity to present on the field and justify his selection for the rest of the year.
[ Related: Robbie's Road To Recovery ]
“He’s had some body issues in the past - it hasn’t been completely right for him - he’s always had bits of illness or soreness from the last couple of years and that’s prevented him having a consistent run at it.”
“Hopefully we’ve got him back in the side (longer term) and if he performs he’ll be able to stay in the side and put pressure on other people.
“We don’t want to bring him in for one week and then leave him and not give another opportunity, but we’re looking for more from him - bit more forward pressure, more marks and shots on goal.”
Ebert has been named on the bench against the Suns for Saturday’s game at Metricon Stadium.
