Looking back
Port Adelaide hosted a regional NAB Cup match against Fremantle at the Encounter Bay Football Club. In bright and warm conditions, the Power strode out looking to make a statement against another likely top eight finisher. Whilst the scoreboard indicated a twenty point victory for the Power, it was by no means an easy battle against the highly-rated Dockers. Fielding a close to full-strength side, the squad demonstrated its potential with a twelve goal performance in tough conditions, punishing an inaccurate Dockers side and setting the Power up for a home clash against Melbourne. Jarrad Redden continued to impress in the ruck with 14 hit outs having occupied the tap position most of the game. Captain Dominic Cassisi also ran out the game well with 23 disposals, ably assisted by Jackson Trengove and Paul Stewart running out of defence.
Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 1.11.11.86 def
Fremantle 2.5.18.66
The Coach, Matthew Primus
"Last quarter we were in a bit of trouble with guys going down with blood and broken noses, hopefully everyone got through unscathed - it was a really competitive hit out, I was pleased with our intensity. We were looking to play a lot more intense than we had been the past couple of weeks and be able to maintain that a little bit longer. We have a lot of work to do, we understand that the game against Melbourne will be another notch up - I thought our ability to move our ball needs a little work, especially behind centre, we turned the ball over a fair bit. There's a couple of other areas - just maintaining a bit of a dominance over the opposition for a little bit longer but the last three weeks have certainly been steps in the right direction. "The whole pre-season has been good, we're healthy, we're nice and strong, it was nice to get a victory (against Fremantle) but we have to build that next week and be ready for the marathon season that is the AFL and play a brand of footy that our supporters are happy with?"
The player, Daniel Stewart
"I think it's really helped with Shaun Rehn coming into the side (as Ruck coach) and helping out our ruck stock, and I've worked really close with him. Jarrad Redden is playing really well at the moment… he is looking good for the number one spot, Renouf's back training as well and he had his first game on the weekend - it's going to make it tough for spots. "It's been pretty competitive all pre-season - definitely with the forwards as well with Justin Westhoff , Jay Schulz and John Butcher all up and running as well." "(Friday) is our last hit out and after that we'll have a couple of weeks off so it's a good opportunity to get our structures right and pick the right team. i think they'll (the coaches) pick a smaller squad for this week and try and null it down to what would be a round one…I'd hate to be a coach right now!"
Stats stack
Kicks: P. Stewart, Pearce 13, Cassisi, McCarthy 11, Trengove 12.
Handballs: Surjan 13, Cassisi, Trengove, O'Shea 12, Redden 11
Disposals: Cassisi 23, Trengove 22, P. Stewart 21, Gray, Boak 19
Marks: Trengove, P. Stewart 9, Schulz 7, Cassisi, Surjan 6
Tackles: Redden, Boak 5, Cassisi, Gray, Hartlett 4
Dream Team: Cassisi 96, Redden, P. Stewart 82, Trengove 77, Gray 76
Tall poppies grow up
The Power's tall options have been talked about all pre-season and the Docker's clash further highlighted the growing talent pool for Port Adelaide selectors. Redden's performance against polished Fremantle ruck men Jon Griffin and Zac Clarke was commendable - playing around the ground and in defence, he has certainly grown in leaps and bounds over the summer. Daniel Stewart played half the game against the Dockers having started in the ruck, whilst recruit Brent Renouf eased into his first steps in a Port Adelaide jumper. With so few injuries across the summer, there will be genuine competition for the tall spots across the ground - a luxury the club has not known for some time.
Captain's knock
Dominic Cassisi clocked up his twenty three disposals in a fine performance for the club. The team leader was in fine form across the ground with a goal to his name and a number of critical assists. It bodes well for the veteran who is entering his eleventh season at Alberton and again shows why he maintained the number one guernsey into 2012 - his hard approach at the footy cannot be denied and his experience will serve the Club well as they line up some big scalps this year.
Coming up
Port Adelaide hosts Melbourne at AAMI Stadium on Friday night in what will be its final NAB Cup match before the season-proper.
With the match set to start at 7.10pm, Club members are being treated to free entry to the match, in addition to free parking at the venue.
The Power will look to field a full strength side with Matt Thomas a possible inclusion after his strong seventeen touch performance returning from injury for the Norwood Redlegs.
With showers clearing prior to the match, the Club encourages all of its ticketed members and non-ticketed supporters to take full advantage of the reduced entry charges to the match.
The last five
Round 24 2011, Adelaide Oval - Port Adelaide 17.10.112 def Melbourne 15.14.104
Round 17 2011, TIO Stadium - Port Adelaide 14.8.92 def by Melbourne 17.11.113
Round 21 2010, AAMI Stadium - Port Adelaide 17.10.112 def Melbourne 11.17.83
Round 9 2010, TIO Stadium - Port Adelaide 17.9.111 def by Melbourne 16.14.110
Round 15 2009, Melbourne Cricket Ground - Port Adelaide 13.12.90 def by Melbourne 15.11.101
The Black and the White
Port Adelaide's SANFL sides ran out convincing winners over close to full strength Central Districts sides. The win instills good confidence that the Magpies have the firepower to take on the 2012 season, with some wayward kicking concealing what was a very strong performance by the Club's League side and certainly an opportunity for an even greater margin.
Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 15.17.107
Central District 5.3.33
Goals: Wilson 3, Clayton, Gray, Summerton, Hoskin 2, Young, Slattery, McKenzie, Rose.
Best: Summerton, Harder, McKenzi, Hoskin, Wilson, Clayton.
Next match: Home trial against Glenelg at Alberton Oval, Saturday 17 March, League starts 2.10pm, Reserves 11.15am.
