Despite some good performances, Deluca was dropped to the reserves last week, but according to the Sturt coaching staff, his attitude and work-rate was fantastic and he was rewarded with around 50 hit-outs in the ruck.
Nick Salter was awarded Play of the Week for a long bomb against the Bulldogs.
The award is judged by the Power development coaches and is announced exclusively at PortAdelaideFC.com.au each Monday.
The club’s development manager Daniel Healy and development coach Darren Trevena take us through all the action from a good round of SANFL for Power players:
Cibo Glenelg SANFL Player of the Week
Fabian Deluca (for Sturt reserves v West reserves at Unley) – Unfortunately Fabian was dropped to the reserves this week, but went back with a terrific attitude and Sturt made a comment about how impressed they were with his attitude, so that was pleasing. He had around 50 hit-outs, kicked two goals and had a few possessions.
Mitch Farmer (for Sturt v West at Unley) – Played in the back pocket and wasn’t as good as he has been, but went onto the ball in the last quarter and did very well. He’s still a very exciting prospect, he just needs to work on his consistency.
Greg Bentley (for Sturt v West at Unley) – Greg was really good, he had 22 possessions and three goals to three-quarter time but unfortunately got cramp in his quad and couldn’t play much more. He looked damaging and hurt the opposition with his disposals a lot more than in previous weeks.
Ryan Willits (for West v Sturt at Unley) – Started well with some good marks, but unfortunately the supply dried up after that and he had a quiet day. He played in the ruck a bit too and still worked hard.
Matt Lobbe (for Port reserves v Norwood reserves at Norwood) – He played on a good young player who is touted as a possible draft pick next year in Schoenmakers and beat him pretty easily. He didn’t have a lot of it himself but he was able to stop his opposition player and is continuing to develop as a centre half-back
Nick Lower (for Norwood v Port at Norwood) – Nick played on a wing and picked up 22 possessions and took a couple of really good intercept marks, which took a fair bit of courage. He kicked the ball pretty well in a pleasing game for him.
Adam Cockshell (for Norwood v Port at Norwood) – He played at full-forward and in the ruck. Adam worked hard while he was up forward and had a couple of shots for goal but couldn’t convert them. He came off the ground with a corkie but was able to come back on the ground and played a really good second half taking 6 marks – a lot of them in Port’s forward 50, which were game-saving.
Nathan Krakouer (for Port v Norwood at Norwood) – Krak played as a half-forward and probably wasn’t as effective as he has been with his disposal but he still amassed 22 touches. He had an opponent marking him very closely which was a good experience, because that is what will happen when he plays consistently well in the AFL. He had a sore knee but was forced to play on because Port had no-one left on their bench, so it was a good experience for Nathan to play through the pain with someone tagging him closely – he handled it well.
Marlon Motlop (for North reserves v Glenelg reserves at Glenelg) – Marlon picked up 20 possessions at half-back and again looked good when he ran with the ball. Just needs to work on his intensity if he wants to break into the league side.
Gavin Grose (for North v Glenelg at Glenelg) – Gav played at full-back and although he had a few goals kicked on him, North are really impressed with the way he is developing. He takes the kick-outs for the Roosters because of his penetrating kick.
Damon White (for North v Glenelg at Glenelg) – Played at full-forward and kicked four goals to go with seven marks. He continues to play good SANFL footy and knock on the door of selection.
Nathan Lonie (for North v Glenelg at Glenelg) – Nathan played on a wing and had 27 possessions and is also pushing for selection.
Daniel Boyle (for Central District reserves v Eagles reserves at Elizabeth) – Played on the wing and had 18 possessions. He ran and chased someone down from behind, which was something we’ve been working on. He just needs to continue to improve his fitness and consistency.
Paul Stewart (for Eagles v Central District at Elizabeth) – Stewie looked good on the wing and had 23 possessions. He continues to be around the mark as well.
Nick Salter (for Eagles v Central District at Elizabeth) – Nick got Play of the Week for a torp from about 70 metres off two steps. He had 12 touches and looked great when he had it, but he just needs to find a bit more of it.
Jonathan Giles (for Central District v Eagles at Elizabeth) – Gilesy had 10 possessions, 3 marks and 17 hit-outs. He looked pretty competitive back in the league side. Once he tires he gets pushed around a bit, but there was plenty of pleasing signs for him. He was much more intense than he has been, so we think he’s on the way back.
Ryan Williams (for Central District v Eagles at Elizabeth) – Ryan played a tagging role on Mark McKenzie and did pretty well. He went on the ball in the second half and when the game was there to be won in the last quarter, he had 8 possessions. The Bulldogs are really pleased with his progress and that he is standing up as a midfielder in their side.
