Davenport enjoyed his 15 seconds of fame after slotting four match-winning goals in the final quarter against West Coast in round two, but is the first to admit straight shooting in front of the big sticks hasn’t been a feature of his game this season.
After three rounds the 24-year-old leads Port Adelaide’s goalkicking with six majors, ahead of Brett Ebert and Warren Tredrea with five and would be further in front if not for the eight shots he’s missed that have resulted in behinds.
Despite having spent four years in the system, the former Geelong onballer is still relatively inexperienced in AFL terms, with just 13 games to his name but says he’s at a point where he needs to show more composure in front of goal.
“I’m getting the shots on goal, which is a good start and I’d much prefer to be kicking points at the start of the year than the end of the year, but I do need to calm myself down out there,” Davenport said.
“It’s a lot easier said than done, but it just comes with time. The more games I play the more confident I’ll become.
"Hopefully, by the end of the year you’ll ask the same question and I would’ve turned it around and am kicking 70 or 80 per cent of my shots on goal rather than what I have been kicking.
“The pressure of people forcing you and running quickly at you is just part of the game now, so you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities.”
Davenport played 10 games for the Power last season, after being delisted by the Cats at the end of 2008.
He demonstrated his capabilities with 12 possessions and two goals in a first-quarter blitz, ironically also against the Eagles, in round 21 and says he’s ready to add an element of consistency to his game this season.
“When you first come to a new club you’ve got to try and find your feet. You’ve got to meet and get to know all the guys and see where you sit and where you’re going to be playing position-wise, but I’ve had a year now and that’s done and dusted,” he said.
“Now, I’m just looking to really contribute and try and cement my spot in the starting 22. I’ve played a couple of good quarters in the first three rounds, but if I can string together a couple of really consistent games and help the side win some more games, so we can build as a unit it’s going to be a really exciting second half to the year.”
Davenport also ranks fourth at Alberton in tackles with 14 and says the Power’s new high-intensity, defensive game plan suits his style of play.
“I take a lot of pride in my own personal game and my work rate, so that helps but in saying that you’ve got to be able to adapt and play to the game style that your coaches want you to,” Davenport said.
“I played a bit more in the midfield last year, but this year I’m looking to play more up forward. Unfortunately, Motts [Daniel Motlop] is out at the moment, but with his defensive pressure and the way I play we could really work well together.
“It gives us more weapons in attack, so hopefully we can use it that way.”
