Another slick performance from David Rodan has virtually guaranteed him a berth in Port Adelaide's team against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium next Friday night in the opening round of the NAB Cup.
The former Richmond forward-midfielder, still a super-fit, super-swift little ball of muscle after having fully recovered from knee surgery a year ago, kicked four goals in the Power's practice match in oppressive heat at Alberton Oval on Friday night.
Rodan's standout display followed a solid effort in Port's brief practice match at Berri Oval a week earlier.
Port coach Mark Williams again liked what he saw from the 23-year-old Rodan.
"He didn't surprise me," Williams said. "Obviously he comes in as an experienced AFL player. I thought he showed some good signs. He kicked a few goals - that was all good. Even at the last minute he chased down someone from behind, which is still important in the game, so we were happy with that."
Nathan Krakouer impressed occasionally with some typical 'Krakouer magic', prompting Williams to say: "When you see him play and think what he might be in a few years' time, you think, 'yeah, there's something there, for sure'.
"And that's what you look for in a lot of the young blokes. I was really pleased that you could see little bits and pieces.
"(Travis) Boak was real cool coming through the centre square and kicked a nice goal … (Adam) Cockshell took a couple of nice, big, strong marks … (Justin) Westhoff took a nice mark there at the end …"
Port reported three minor casualties - Michael Wilson and Toby Thurstans with rolled ankles and Daniel Motlop with a corked thigh. Interestingly, tall forward Thurstans was tried as a defender.
Port was thrilled with ace midfielder Peter Burgoyne's fitness and form, and the way he inspired players around him, in his first run under match conditions since he damaged a hamstring last season.
"Peter hasn't played for a long, long time so for us to see how calm and clean he was and his good running and speed, it was good to get that confidence out of the centre-square group," Williams said.
Told that his players looked 'really hungry', Williams said: "There's no doubt they were really disappointed with last year. But because there are so many young players and some who played five or 10 games last year, they haven't really played much AFL footy and they're thinking, 'gee, I'm in with a chance here'.
"You look at their fitness levels, you look at their skill level, you look at how they combine together … every team since the end of last year is working on a couple of different things, and to see it work a few times during the game, you think, 'ah, yeah, that's pretty good'.
"Obviously we've got four or five weeks before we start the main season but each week from now on is a little bit of progression and that's what we look forward to.
"Finishing 12th last year, obviously a lot of teams are in front of us and a lot of teams are trying to push higher and higher. You see Essendon have really got some good recruits into their group and Carlton have got some things going now, so it's going to be a tough year - and we all have to improve."
Asked how well prepared the Power was for next Friday night's clash with Adelaide, Williams said: "We're as well prepared as we have been at this time any year. We look forward to the battle and I'm sure the Crows are pretty organised as well, so it'll be a good contest.
"For both sides it'll be a degree of experimentation, but everyone likes to win, so that'll be on the line."
