WITH the Power playersenjoying a well-earned break, portadelaidefc.com.au continues its review of theseason so far. Today we focus on the centres.

3. Steve Salopek: Coming off his most consistent season to date,Steve Salopek began 2007 with an impressive 24 touches and 11 marks in thefamous victory over Fremantle. The talented midfielder continued to win plenty of the balluntil he fell victim to a cruel injury curse. Salopek battled through a hamstring strain and a broken nosebefore fracturing an ankle against Essendon. The impressive 21-year-old will be praying for a speedy recoveryso he can resume what promises to be a successful career.

5. Brendon Lade: Lade has backed up a career-best 2006 witha bright start this season, often rucking solo in the absence of Dean Brogan. Pushing for another All-Australian selection, Lade is rankedsecond in the AFL for hit-outs behind Freo giant Aaron Sandilands and hasbooted nine goals. Lade’s tap-work is second to none, with perfect placement toShaun Burgoyne a regular feature on Port Adelaide’s highlight reel.

7. Peter Burgoyne: Burgoyne is showing the benefits of an injury-freepre-season. He fell into the shadow of younger brother Shaun last yearafter managing just ten games because of chronic hamstring problems. But the silky-skilled midfielder has returned to the spotlight,averaging 21 possessions in his 11 games. The 29-year-old will be hoping for a continued good run withinjury and a consistent second half to the season.

8. Shaun Burgoyne: Coming off an All-Australian season theyounger Burgoyne was always going to attract more attention from oppositiontaggers. To give him some space coach Mark Williams moved the classyprime mover into the forward line where he’s kicked goals in all bar one game. But the speedster does his best work at the clearances andPort Adelaide is confident Burgoyne will improve on his encouraging form overthe past month.

10. Travis Boak: For reasons unknown Boak started the yearwith the Glenelg reserves before quickly paving his way into the top side. The number-five NAB AFL Draft pick was rewarded for his goodSANFL form with his AFL debut against Essendon last week. Boak showcased his potential picking up nine possessions ina half of footy and will have his eye on the spot left vacant by Salopek.

15. David Rodan: Undoubtedly the recruit of the year. Rodan was discarded by the Tigers last season and has playedevery game since joining the Power. The Fijian tough-nut has kicked 15 goals and leads the Powerin hard-ball gets, but Rodan still has more to prove and will be determined to playin the finals he was starved of with the Tigers.

16. Danyle Pearce: The 2006 AFL NAB Rising Star was anotherPower player on the radar of opposition coaches heading into the season. Pearce started well with 20-plus possessions and three goalsin the opening two rounds before being struck down by injury. The pacy onballer returned to the side against Melbourne with animpressive three-goal performance and will be hoping for an uninterruptedsecond half to the year.

18. Kane Cornes: Cornes continued to show little regard forhis own health and safety in the Power’s seven and five start to the season. Good for 30 possessions a game, he has thrown himselfmercilessly at the ball to rank in the Power’s top five for hard-ball gets andtackles. Cornes continues to receive some of the toughest taggingjobs in footy and his fearless determination is an inspiration to the entirePower team.

20. Dean Brogan: The aggressive big man led the Power tovictory in Perthin round one but was hampered by an ankle injury, which restricted him to justseven games. Determined to put the injury behind him, Brogan fired up forthe clash with Essendon and dominated with 22 hit-outs. His presence allows Lade to sneak forward and provides thePower with a different dynamic at the stoppages.

35: ChadCornes: Cornes showed his versatility in the opening 12 rounds playing indefence, on the ball and restricting Brownlow Medallist James Hird to just 14touches in round 12. The passionate 27-year-old inspired the Power to victoriesover Collingwood and Melbourne and if he can continue his good form might justbring home the Power’s first Brownlow Medal.

37: Fabian Deluca: The young ruckman added to his three-gametally in the absence of big man Dean Brogan. Deluca showed good form in the SANFL and was rewarded with aspot in the Power line-up for rounds nine and 10. Still just 20-years-old, Deluca will benefit from moreexperience in the SANFL and training with Lade and Brogan. 

44. Tom Logan: With a solid pre-season under his belt Logan earned a spot in thePower line-up for the opening four rounds. The tough onballer starred against the Kangaroos with 17possessions and six marks before being nudged out of the side by housemate GregBentley in round five. After completing a successful comeback from an ankle injury,Logan will bebattling for Salopek’s place in the side.

The views in this story arethose of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or the club.