LIFE in attack has been up-and-down for the first half of the season at both AFL and SANFL level.
Port Adelaide's forwards stocks have shown glimpses of their true fire power potential and with more players 'in development' within this group, supporters have been able to see the goal kickers of the future hone their skills at SANFL level, as well as see the big guns kick truly in the AFL.
HOCKING: SANFL mid-year review
MIDS: Carr and Surjan's reviews
portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look back on the year of the forwards so far, with Tyson Edwards and Trent Hentschel look ahead.
3. Jake Neade
Neade's consistency is an area to work on, although he has been very damaging at times [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
After playing the first two games of the year in the AFL, live wire Neade found himself back in the SANFL needing to find form. He's done that with performances as a valuable small forward who can run through the middle at times for the Magpies. His challenge, however, has been finding the consistency in matches to have regular impact - having been damaging for quarters at a time before fading away.
"Jake has performed well and showed signs of brilliance at stages throughout games the year. Jake would like to find more consistency and contribute for longer periods during games." – Trent Hentschel
6. Angus Monfries
Monfries had a purple patch in May [pic: AFL Photos]
Monfries strung together a series of really good games for Port in May, and enjoyed a pretty consistent start to the season overall. Now the most experienced player on the Power's list (following the retirement of Kane Cornes), his work as a defensive forward has been underrated by many pundits, but is particularly valuable to the team. A quiet couple of weeks before the bye.
"Gussy often has the job of shutting down the opposition's running defender and has done really well, but the thing we want him to do in the second half of the year is have more offence in his game. That's the area he's working on, but the defensive role for us has been done really well, and is really important." – Tyson Edwards
11. John Butcher
Butcher has been thrown around a bit lately, playing both forward and back [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Butcher, like Neade, made an early appearance in the AFL before sliding back to SANFL level where he's played as both a key marking forward, but also found himself being thrown back to play roles in defence. It's hampered his ability to score at times, but his defensive game has been surprisingly good for a guy who has spent most of his Port career up forward.
"We’ve thrown Butch around a bit as we think he can provide us flexibility down back when required. His challenge is to keep producing consistently in whatever role he finds himself in the back half of the year, we play better as a team when he’s on song." – Trent Hentschel.
14. Paul Stewart
Stewart has been one of the Magpies most (if not the most) consistent players this year. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Stewart's season has been spent mainly in the SANFL off the back of a solid pre-season that gave him a base to play consistent footy at that level - often as one of the Magpies' prime players. Earned a call-up against Melbourne and followed up with appearances against the Bulldogs and Geelong. One of a handful of mid-forward type players pushing regularly to break into the AFL side.
"Paul’s a consistent performer which resulted in him getting a call up for the Power. He knows to just bring his best ball use and composure at SANFL level to keep putting pressure on for a spot at AFL level." – Trent Hentschel
20. Chad Wingard
Wingard has remained one of the Power's most potent and elusive weapons in 2015 [pic: AFL Photos]
He's been one of Port Adelaide's most important players forward of centre, and his damaging kick and marking ability makes him a point of focus for opposition defenders. Wingard flew under the radar early, but has since become one of the Power's most consistent performers and would certainly be around the mark for the John Cahill Medal at this point of the season.
"Chaddy's had big impact on the scoreboard for us as one of our most consistent forwards. He's played a little bit of midfield as well. Really pleased with how he's gone so far and if he maintains his work rate and defensive attitude he'll keep getting the results he's been getting." – Tyson Edwards
22. Mason Shaw
Injury has been a real barrier for Shaw to overcome this year [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Injury has been a significant setback for Shaw in 2015. Returning to the team from injury, he has again been forced out and may not return until the next SANFL split round. The stop-start year he's had was constraining early and his goal kicking numbers haven't mimicked his form from last year. His rehab will limit his second half of the year.
"Mason was finding his feet again after coming back from injury but then got sidelined with another groin. He’s in rehab for probably five more weeks. When he returns he’ll be focused on giving a good target up forward, or providing solid defence if he’s down back – he’s a flexible option." – Trent Hentschel
28. Jay Schulz
Schulz has been around the mark, but supply has been poor at times for the key forward [pic: AFL Photos]
After hauling big bags in the first quarter of the season, Schulz has struggled to find the supply he likes leading up forward. In line with some low-scoring performances, Schulz has been forced to move up the field to try and win more footy. His leaner start to the year has been dotted with good games though, like many consistency is important for him.
"He's had a similar start to the year as last year, he's kicked some important goals, but our ball movement hasn't helped him get on the end of the ball as he has previously. I think once that ball movement gets up-and-running better he'll have some better performances.." – Tyson Edwards
31. Mitch Harvey
Amon's long-awaited debut against Brisbane came before an injury in the last few weeks. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
There's a lot to like about the craft of Mitch Harvey in the SANFL. The leading goal kicker of the Magpies has been able to play a more traditional full forward-type role since Billy Frampton made his League debut, with Harvs now able to focus more on his attacking role, rather than as a second ruckman. Should win the Magpies' goal kicking award if he can maintain recent form.
"Mitch has been really good, particularly in the last six or so weeks as a genuine key forward. His ability to compete in the contest and win aerial ball has been good and something we want him to keep at. He’s got a few deficiencies he’s working on really hard, but his development and attitude have been pleasing overall." – Trent Hentschel.
32. Dougal Howard
Howard has played just two games this year, but there are promising signs. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
After overcoming a lower leg injury, Dougal Howard has debuted and played two games against West and Adelaide in the SANFL. His aggression in the NAB Challenge was encouraging, so many will look to see what he can do by the end of the season.
"Getting some miles in his legs and building his conditioning after a long time out with injury is his priority. He’s got an enormous amount of potential and will look to play strongly in this second half of the season as a key forward either deep or up the ground." – Trent Hentschel.
37. Jesse Palmer
There's plenty to like about a guy who's played every game this year and can kick a goal [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Palmer's been an exciting debutant in 2014. Not unlike Mitch Harvey, Palmer has played every game at the start of his SANFL career and can kick a goal. His ability to win the footy and use it well is encouraging and has taken the opportunity of being injury-free and in the Magpies to do some good things. He'd like to finish the season on a high after his promising start.
"Jesse’s been really solid for a first-year player, his consistency has been really good. Playing half-forward is tough at times, but we’re happy with how he’s going at this early stage. Like a few other first-year players, it’s about finishing the year stronger than they started it." – Trent Hentschel
39. Justin Westhoff
Westhoff hasn't been a permanent forward in 2015, and that's not likely to change. [pic: AFL Photos]
The bane of Port Adelaide is that Justin Westhoff, the player, is just so useful in a squeeze. His huge tank and ability to play as a tall defender has been used a little more than supporters would have liked this season, but that's footy. Probably hasn't had quite the impact up forward, but then he's played through the middle and in defence a fair bit this year. A quality spare, his form was on the up closer to the bye.
"Westy's played a lot of different roles. Back, spare, ruck, forward when we've needed him to do those role. When Westy changes his position, it's important he continues to play aggressively especially when he jumps at the ball. He'll continue playing a lot of roles for us." – Tyson Edwards.
43. Johann Wagner
Fans would be pleased with the continual improvement shown by Wagner [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
Whether you see him coming into Port Adelaide as the winner of 'The Recruit' or simply as a reserve-grade player from Centrals getting a chance on the rookie list, Johann Wagner's learning curve has been steep. It's great to see him get better as the season has progressed, and his burst running and goal kicking has been very important at times. Still a long way to go, but compare his work now, to the start of the year, and he looks more comfortable, composed and able to play League footy.
"Yoey’s coming from a fair way back when you consider he was playing reserves last year, but he’s improved with every game. There’s still a lot to learn in terms of footy knowledge, but his attitude has been really good and we’re seeing the fruits of that week-to-week." – Trent Hentschel.
46. Sam Gray
Gray has been a regular performer at SANFL level and made four AFL appearances. [pic: Chris Kelly Photographics]
A blue collar forward/midfielder, Sam Gray plays at a standard similar to Paul Stewart. Both regularly win the ball and impact with it in the SANFL, but his challenge has been making the step into the AFL. Good efforts against Melbourne and the Bulldogs are encouraging for the young Rudall runner, but battled against Richmond and Geelong. With Jared Polec out indefinitely, Gray can keep pushing his form to earn an AFL recall.
"He was outstanding playing forward and in the midfield early in the year and got a call-up to the Power team. He showed glimpses in the midfield at AFL and will put pressure on with his consistent performances in the Magpies. His challenge is to keep bridging the gap between AFL and SANFL." – Trent Hentschel
