But before the pre-season gets underway, portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at each of players on the list and reviews how their seasons panned out.
Chad Cornes
Games: 18
Cornes was another player who endured a tough 2009. The versatile veteran had surgery on his troublesome knee over the summer and was forced to go back under the knife after just 10 rounds. Cornes played a pivotal role in Port Adelaide’s Showdown win over the Crows in round six and recaptured some of his best form when settled in defence for the latter part of the season. The dual All-Australian recently signed a new two-year deal and the club’s confident some careful management will see him play out his decorated career in style.
Kane Cornes
Games: 22
The younger Cornes brother enjoyed another consistent season in a slightly different role. The dual reigning John Cahill Medallist, who averaged 27 possessions a game, was relieved from his tagging duties on several occasions but did his best work when assigned the job on the game’s biggest names. He picked up 126 more disposals (596) than any other Power player and ranked second at the club in tackles. Cornes had a quiet couple of weeks after injuring his shoulder in round seven, but kept his run of 140 consecutive games intact and was one of just three Port Adelaide players to feature in all 22 games.
Jason Davenport
Games: 10
The former Geelong-listed onballer played just two AFL games in the opening 12 rounds of the season, but established himself as a reliable contributor in the latter half playing nine of the last 11 games. Davenport starred with 21 possessions and two goals against his old side in round 13 and attracted the attention of West Coast tagger Adam Selwood in round 16 after picking up 12 disposals and two goals in the first quarter. Davenport has gained respect for his hard work ethic and running ability and will be looking to cement his spot come round one.
Glenn Dawson
Games: 0
Glenn ‘The Cougar’ Dawson was considered a project player when he was selected with Pick No. 66 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and he spent the entire year playing in the Woodville West-Torrens reserves. The lightning quick 19-year-old has impressive athletic abilities and with another pre-season under his belt should press for SANFL senior selection next year.
Brett Ebert
Games: 20
Ebert’s form was a reflection of his team’s form in 2009. The raking left-footer kicked a season-high four goals in the win over the Lions in round 14 but like the other Power forwards received limited opportunities in the side’s poorer performances. Ebert played 17 consecutive games before being dropped to the Port Adelaide Magpies, but finished the year on a high with three goals against the Roos in round 22.
Mitch Farmer
Games: 0
Farmer impressed with three spirited games for the Power in his first year at the club, but struggled with injury and form this season. The rugged half-back spent the first half of the season in the Sturt reserves before making the switch to South Adelaide. He played 10 league games with the Panthers and will need to show improvement over the summer ahead of what will be his third year in the AFL system.
Jonathan Giles
Games: 0
Giles started the year strongly on the back of a solid pre-season, but was sent back to the Central District reserves when Adelaide-listed big man Jon Griffin returned to Elizabeth. The fourth-year ruckman dominated in the twos and returned to the Doggies’ league side in the lead up to finals.
Robbie Gray
Games: 20
Gray was one of the good news stories for Port Adelaide in 2009. The crafty forward managed just 15 games in his first two years at Alberton, but got his body right to miss just two games this season. Gray booted 30 goals to finish second in the club’s goalkicking and also proved a handy clearance player when pinch-hitting in the midfield. The skilful 21-year-old will be looking forward to improving his fitness over the pre-season and becoming a regular fixture in the Power midfield.
Hamish Hartlett
Games: 11
Hartlett was another player that projected a ray of hope for Power supporters in 2009. The fancied No. 4 draft pick was on track to play in round one before getting injured in the NAB Cup, but he didn’t disappoint on debut in round four. The classy onballer was unlucky not to receive a NAB Rising Star nomination after gathering 23 possessions and 11 marks in the club’s stirring win over Hawthorn. Hartlett’s season was derailed by a hamstring complaint, but he showed enough in 10 games to suggest he’s going to be a pivotal player for the club in the not too distant future.
Nathan Krakouer
Games: 19
Krakouer started the season in a blaze of glory in his new role across half-back. The polished 21-year-old amassed 20-plus possessions on nine separate occasions and played 19 games, after managing just the three last year. Krakouer appeared to tire midway through the season, but returned to play some quality games in the latter rounds. The talented Western Australian will look forward to improving his fitness over the pre-season.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
