PORT Adelaide’s Damon White has finally found the self-belief required to play AFL football.
White established himself as the Power’s premier centre-half forward last season, booting 19 goals in his 18 games.
He’s continued that strong form this year, with a season-best performance last week against Richmond.
The modest 23-year-old hauled in 10 marks, 16 possessions and booted two goals in the first half, before suffering a corked thigh early in the third term.
“I’m not sure if it was my best,” White said of his stellar game.
“I think the more pleasing thing was to see the efficiency of the forward line structure and the guys working for each other, it’s really starting to come together.”
The team once reliant on All-Australian forward Warren Tredrea has established itself as one of the most even and dangerous attacks in the competition.
The Power boasts eight players that have averaged a goal in every game so far this season.
Brett Ebert leads the way with 15, but the small forward didn’t feature in the Power’s list of 10 goalkickers against the Tigers last week.
Opposing teams have struggled to contain Port Adelaide’s potent combination of talls and smalls, which include names like Tredrea, Ebert, Daniel Motlop, David Rodan, Josh Mahoney and resting ruckmen Brendon Lade and Dean Brogan.
“That flexibility is the most important thing,” White said.
“We’ve got a few guys capable of kicking goals and also some midfielders coming down through the forward line, playing their roles and contributing too.”
It’s no coincidence that White’s breakout season in 2006 corresponded with skipper Warren Tredrea’s horrific year with injury.
The strong-marking big man booted 13 of his 19 goals as the focal point up forward in Tredrea’s absence.
“I enjoy playing with Tredders,” White said.
“Warren generally draws the best opponent, if not two, and I learn a lot from him so I like having him out there. Whether his absence was the reason behind that (my breakout year) I’m not sure.”
The dynamic duo will work alongside the Power ruckmen this week in an attempt to expose the Swans’ lack of height in defence.
The ploy worked against the undermanned Tigers last week with Lade slotting three goals.
Port Adelaide has an impressive away record against the Swans, having won three of its eight SCG clashes with Sydney.
White has also enjoyed a good personal record against the Swans in recent times.
The 42-gamer booted two goals in each of the Power’s clashes with the Swans last year.
“I guess your previous form against a team always sticks in your mind,” White said.
“You look back at the vision of games you’ve played and you try and do similar things to those that have been successful in the past.”
White said his team would not underestimate the Swans, who have won just three games this season.
“You just have to realise it’s always going to be a tough, hard, scrappy game against the Swans,” he said.
“You’re going to come off tired and sore and you have to be switched on. There will be a lot of stoppages and contests so you’ve got to expect it to be physically demanding.”
