B: Tom Jonas, Alipate Carlile, Cameron O'Shea
HB: Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove, Lewis Stevenson
C: Matthew Broadbent, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
HF: Aaron Young, Justin Westhoff, Angus Monfries
F: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Paul Stewart
Foll: Jarrad Redden, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Campbell Heath
Sub: Kane Mitchell
Injury list
Returning fitness guru Darren Burgess has the Power in magnificent shape on the eve of the club's round one clash against Melbourne. Nick Salter is the only player with serious injury concerns after stress fractures in his foot saw him transferred to the long-term injury list. The club expects every other player to be in contention for the season opener; even Robbie Gray is an outside chance, having recently played SANFL football on his return from a horrific knee injury.
The big questions
-Can Port Adelaide ignite under new coach Ken Hinkley? They Power have looked a far more competitive and hardened unit over the summer but what effect will Hinkley have in the home and away season?
-Port has been one of the more impressive sides throughout the pre-season and beat both West Coast and the Sydney Swans. But will it be able to translate pre-season form into regular-season success?
-Although blessed with enormous potential, injuries have plagued influential players such as Hamish Hartlett, Jasper Pittard, John Butcher and Andrew Moore. Under the guidance of Burgess, can they remain fit all season?
Summer standout
Once touted as a potential Brownlow Medal winner, hamstring and shoulder injuries have prevented Hamish Hartlett from getting the most out of his extreme talent on a regular basis. When firing, Hartlett is one of the competition's elite midfielders and arguably the Power's best player. His form over the pre-season has been outstanding and his final term against West Coast in Alice Springs was nothing short of extraordinary. He's done everything possible to set himself for a consistently brilliant season.
Fantasy cash cow
Kane Mitchell's ($119,300) elevation to Port Adelaide's senior list paved the way for the reigning Sandover medallist to play significant footy in 2013 and he is a steal for Fantasy coaches. Possessing great speed and endurance, the 23-year-old knows how to find the ball and racked up some impressive numbers in the NAB Cup, including 12 first-term touches against Melbourne on his way to 26 for the game.
Sudden impact
Early indications suggest Oliver Wines was born to win contested football. His clearance work throughout the NAB Cup and trial games has left Power fans wide-eyed; his 10-clearance game against Melbourne in Renmark a standout. At 187cm and 89kg, the 18-year-old has the frame to match it with seasoned AFL players and his form over the summer has proven his football nous is also up to the task.
It's crunch time for…
…Cameron Hitchcock. He booted 80 goals for Glenelg's under-18 and reserves sides before being drafted in 2009 and then kicked 20 majors in 17 AFL games in 2010. He could manage just 13 games in 2011 and just two last season due to persistent injuries. He missed a month of pre-season due to foot surgery, is out of contract at the end of 2013 and with Port boosting its small forward stocks with the arrival of Jake Neade and Angus Monfries, Hitchcock needs to impress.
Pivotal match
After the success of the pre-season and the influx of new coaching staff and players, it's absolutely vital the Power set the tone for their season against Melbourne in round one at the MCG. No doubt there will be pressure on both to perform. Port needs a disciplined, four-quarter effort to truly shake the concerns of last season, when the side could often only compete for three quarters.
The Power will have a good year if…
… the side's key players remain healthy and play the majority of games. Injuries cruelled the Power on too many occasions last season, robbing them the chance to build any consistency as a playing group. If Hartlett, Boak, Butcher and Pittard can avoid breaking down, it will go a long way to ensuring the sider emains competitive.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 14th
