portadelaidefc.com.au reviews the defenders' first half of the season with backs coach Nathan Bassett.

Logan Austin

In just his second year on the list, Logan Austin made his AFL debut in a victorious trip at Melbourne. The Power beat Collingwood in impressive fashion, and Austin held Travis Cloke goalless. Far from fully-developed, but has shown promise in his first appearances.

“Logan’s form has been improving the last seven weeks and he’s been solid for us at AFL level. It’s been good to give him a taste of AFL footy. His positioning and consistency aerially has been pretty good. We want to see more of everything from him, especially his aerial and to be used a little more in offence.”  - Nathan Bassett

Riley Bonner

His first year on an AFL list has seen former Blood Riley Bonner play most SANFL games. A skilled player who is taking his first steps in the challenging world of AFL football.

“Riley is a work in progress. He’s got some outstanding football talent - a good kick, good speed. His defending is improving and his work ethic, enthusiasm and desire to improve have been real strengths for him.”  - Nathan Bassett

Darcy Byrne-Jones 

One of the unearthed gems for Port Adelaide in 2016, Byrne-Jones has consistently featured in the Power’s best since Round 3. A NAB Rising Star nomination, the Victorian is surely leading the race for the Power’s Gavin Wanganeen Medal. Has cemented his position in Port’s best 22.

“Darcy’s had an outstanding year. Probably a bit of a surprise, but a very pleasant one. He plays tough, team footy, his ball use has been good, and he’s defended well. We want him to keep playing good footy, if he can maintain his standard we’ll be very happy with that."  - Nathan Bassett

Tom Clurey

A quiet start to the season, Clurey has hit solid form in the SANFL in recent weeks. His flexibility as a key back with strong endurance gives him an edge when at his best. Will be trying to push for selection in the Power line-up in the second half of the season.

“Tom’s form has been much better the last few weeks and he’d be getting close to an AFL call up. He’s been much better defensively and is starting to show the strengths which he showed pre-season: the ability to get off his opponent, mark the ball and get involved in offence.”  - Nathan Bassett

Jack Hombsch

One of many to fall foul of the injury gods, Hombsch was the Power’s surprise packet of 2015 and is a strong chance to return from a hamstring injury against Richmond in Round 15. Forced to take on the role of the Power’s key backman in lieu of Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove, he has toiled down back. Will be a valuable inclusion when fully fit.

“Hombschy was having a solid season. He gets big jobs for us and while he gives up some size and sometimes speed on opposition players, he’s played pretty decent footy. Solid for us, defends well, good teammate and hopefully will be back against Richmond because he’ll have a big job on Riewoldt who he did well on in the start of the year.”  - Nathan Bassett

Tom Jonas

 

Playing solid football down back earlier in the year, Jonas’s six-game suspension was a spoiler on what was shaping as a good year for him. Will be free to return against North Melbourne in Round 17.

“Tom was having a good season until he was suspended for six weeks. I thought he was performing at a good standard, defending well, and leading well.”  - Nathan Bassett

Nathan Krakouer

A jaw injury and club-imposed suspension before the beginning of the season forced Nathan Krakouer to work his way back into form and earn a place in the Power's line-up. Usually a great kick, Krakouer’s skills haven’t quite reached the level he’s capable of, but is roundly regarded as one of the club's best defenders.

“Krak has started to play some better footy in the last four or five weeks. His ball use has been a little bit off, but he’s been defending well. He’s been a good, solid contributor.”  - Nathan Bassett

Cam O’Shea

Coming into the AFL side earlier in the season, O’Shea has played against a variety of opponents and in several defensive roles. His effort week-in, week-out has been a strength.

“He’s a good team defender and tries his hardest for the team each week. He’s still got some areas of his game that we’re always working on to get better. His strength of work ethic have been good and he’s done jobs against some hard-running opposition players.”  - Nathan Bassett

Jasper Pittard

Is he leading the Power’s best and fairest? Some reckon so, and it should come as no surprise after his very consistent performance for the first half of the year. Considered a chance for the All-Australian team, Pittard has been a shining light for the Power in an indifferent season.

“Jasper has had an exceptional year, running well out of defence, his aerial work and ability to assist his teammates is excellent and generally his defending is very good. His football has been very good and has stood up as a leader.” - Nathan Bassett

Paul Stewart

Playing down back since Round 6, Stewart has been required to adapt to life as a permanent back given the Power’s battle with injury to key defenders and shallow ruck options.

“Paul has come back into defence since Round 6 and has played a valuable role for us. We’re a bit short of talls, so he’s had to play taller than he normally would. He has fit well into the defensive group. We’d like to see a bit more consistency from his aerial work; his effort has been pretty good.”  - Nathan Bassett

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