Matt Burgan's Player previews: Port Adelaide

Joined
Jan 11, 2002
Posts
9,139
Likes
7
Location
Adelaide
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
Port Adelaide - SANFL
Thread starter #1
Matt Burgan from the AFL site has been doing player previews for all clubs and ours came through today.

I must say I think most of the comments are pretty tame as they appear to focus primarily on the positives like we're buying a used car. I'll add some specific comments over the weekend.

Player previews: Port Adelaide
Matt Burgan Fri 30 January, 2004

In the lead-up to the new season, afl.com.au presents its 2004 player previews. afl.com.au's Matt Burgan takes a look at every player from every club and sums up neatly where they're at and what they have to offer.

Today, it's PORT ADELAIDE: Senior list: 39 players. Rookie list: four players.

Cain Ackland – Has had a difficult run with injuries and form and has not played a game since round 12, 2001. Ruckman eager to add to his 12 games in 2004. Important year.

Matthew Bishop – Key defender who is firmly entrenched in the back six. Has become a consistent performer and is set to take on further responsibility in 2004. 29 in 2004.

Dean Brogan – Had a wonderful 2003 in the absence of injury-hit skipper Matthew Primus. Became one of the best rucks in the AFL and will look to repeat that in 2004.

Peter Burgoyne – Had his best and most consistent AFL season, finishing third in the best and fairest in 2003 and will again be a pivotal midfield/forward option in 2004.

Shaun Burgoyne – The younger of the Burgoyne brothers also shone in just his second AFL season. Can play forward, back or in the midfield and should continue to prosper.

Josh Carr – Had another highly consistent season and remains an integral part of the Power’s midfield brigade for 2004 as a ball-winner/run-with player. Turns 24 in 2004.

Domenic Cassisi – Doubled his game tally in 2003 with 12 games, after making his debut in 2002. Emerging midfielder who looks set for further game time in 2004.

Wade Champion – Developing key forward entering his second year on the club’s list, he will be hoping for a change of luck in 2004, after being sidelined for much of 2003.

Troy Chaplin – The Power were rapt to gain the key defender/forward at No.15 in the 2003 National AFL Draft, when he was touted as a top 10 prospect. Could debut in 2004.

Stuart Cochrane – Had a good first year with the club after crossing from the Roos. Became an important part of the midfield and will be looking to step-up again in 2004.

Chad Cornes – Highly talented forward who will be 24 for the 2004 season. Has the ability to become one of the AFL’s genuine superstars and could be one to watch in 2004.

Kane Cornes – Underrated, versatile midfielder, defender or forward, who had a fine year in 2003 – his third season at AFL level and should continue to prosper in 2004.

Stuart Dew – Long-kicking forward/midfielder hindered with osteitis pubis in 2003. Now in his eighth season, but still only 24, he remains in the best 22 when fit and firing.

Brett Ebert – Midfielder who won the Magarey Medal – at just 19 – in his first AFL listed season. Looks set to make his debut with the Power in 2004. The son of Russell.

Robert Forster-Knight – The first ‘recycled’ player taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft, the versatile ex-Don will be looking to restart his career with the Power in 2004.

Josh Francou – Sadly, the 2002 Brownlow runner-up and midfield dynamo will miss another season after snapping his anterior cruciate for a second time late in January. Irreplaceable.

Stephen Gilham – Athletic, agile defender entering his second season at the Power. Still developing, he looms as a long-term prospect, but is likely to debut during 2004.

Chris Hall – Midfielder who made his debut in 2003, playing two games. Enters his fourth year with the club and will be looking to step-up in 2004. Important year ahead.

Damien Hardwick – Veteran, hard-at-it, running defender entering his 11th AFL season. Remains an important part of the Power’s back six. He turns 32 in August 2004.

Roger James – Key member of the Power midfield brigade who was sorely missed in the 2003 finals due to groin problems. Remains an important in-and-under type. Underrated.

Adam Kingsley – Defender/midfielder who was set to be delisted, yet gains a reprieve and will be determined to stay injury-free and re-establish a spot in 2004. Big year ahead.

Brendon Lade – Has been injury-riddled but had a solid year in 2003 playing in the ruck or as a key forward/defender. Looking to maintain a place in the best 22 in 2004.

Josh Mahoney – Shock draftee who has not played an AFL game since 2000. Has been strong in the VFL and at 26, the midfielder will be desperate to grasp his chance.

Brett Montgomery – High-flying half-back who has been a standout since crossing to the Power. Now in the veteran status, he remains in the best 22, but will be 31 in 2004.

Luke Peel – Balanced defender who enters his first year at AFL level after being taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft. Could debut in 2004 and shows genuine promise.

Michael Pettigrew – Developing key defender/forward taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft. Has fine agility and speed for his size. An outside chance to debut in 2004.

Byron Pickett – Versatile small forward, defender or midfielder who can shape a game with his physical presence. Will again be crucial to the side’s fortunes in 2004.

Jared Poulton – No frills, running defender entering his sixth AFL season. Faces a crucial year to claim a regular spot in the line-up, but adds depth to the squad. 27 in 2004.

Matthew Primus – Inspirational skipper who had his 2003 ruined with hamstring/knee injuries and new ruck interpretations. Turns 29 in January and will be desperate to bounce back to his imposing form.

Steven Salopek – Emerging midfielder who is likely to become a more permanent fixture in 2004, after showing glimpses of his considerable talent in 2003. One to watch.

Jarrad Schofield – Underrated, ball-winning midfielder who remains an important member of the running brigade. Now in his 12th AFL season, he turns 29 in January.

Jacob Surjan – Explosive midfielder with good goal sense, who enters his first year with the club. Expected to develop via the SANFL in 2004, but is some chance to debut.

Brad Symes – A skillful defender/midfielder taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft. Will continue his development via the SANFL, but is in the mix to debut during 2004.

Toby Thurstans – Key tall finally made his debut in 2003 – his fifth season at the club – before a groin injury interrupted. Important year looms as he looks to establish a spot.

Warren Tredrea – One of the best key forwards in the game, Tredrea enters 2004 as arguably the club’s most important player. A genuine match-winner who is still only 26.

Darryl Wakelin – A key defender who has been as solid as a rock since crossing to the Power. Despite turning 30 in 2004, remains a vital player in the club’s back six.

Gavin Wanganeen (v*) – Had a scintillating season in 2003 – his finest at AFL level. Remains a brilliant running defender, midfielder or forward in 2004. Turns 31 in 2004.

Damon White – Promising key forward entering his third season at the club. Showed continued development in the SANFL in 2003 and likely to make his AFL debut in 2004.

Michael Wilson – Defender/midfielder again battled injuries in 2003 after coming back from two knee reconstructions. In the best 22 when fit but faces important year.

Rookie list

Dale Ellis – At 197cm and 96kg, Ellis is a mobile, high-marking key position player who will continue to develop in the SANFL in 2004, after showing promise in 2003.

Adam Grocke – Emerging centre half-forward who showed encouraging signs in the SANFL in 2003. Will be looking to further his development in that competition in 2004.

Salim Hassan – Livewire onballer/forward looking to take another step up in the SANFL in 2004 after showing promise in 2003. Born in Russia, he turns 22 in 2004.

Joel Patfull – Gains a second year on the rookie list after showing positive signs as a forward in the SANFL in 2003. Will be looking to be elevated onto the main list in 2004.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Joined
Jan 11, 2002
Posts
9,139
Likes
7
Location
Adelaide
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
Port Adelaide - SANFL
Thread starter #3
Originally posted by Porthos
Anyone reading that list:

Did you find out even a single thing that you didn't already know but are interested in knowing?
Agreed - it reads more like a review than a pre-view but then it's not surprising given where it's from.
 

Port01

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Apr 19, 2001
Posts
8,203
Likes
3,882
Location
SA
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
#5
Originally posted by Porthos
Anyone reading that list:

Did you find out even a single thing that you didn't already know but are interested in knowing?
I found out that Tredders went from turning 25 to 26 in about a month.
 

captain ebert

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Posts
6,614
Likes
981
Location
Sydney - Northern Beaches
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
#6
porthos - im not as up-to-date with our list as you obviously are - & i am happy to read that we do seem to have quite a few blokes who seem decent enough to stand up & take their places in the back lines.

a beautiful blend of youth & experience i might add. the likes of mahoney i think could inject just a little bit of added desperation & hunger.

i think a lot of our interstate counterparts dont really understand the way port does its scouting/recruiting homework - in the past we have un-earthed absolute gems, & i hope this trend continues.

BTW - whens the new pre-season jumper being shown?
 

_espoir

Club Legend
Joined
Feb 14, 2003
Posts
2,849
Likes
0
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
,
#9
Originally posted by Port01
I found out that Tredders went from turning 25 to 26 in about a month.
i was thinking the same thing.... soon we'll have to put him on the veteran's list!
 

blackdiamond

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Dec 7, 2000
Posts
8,341
Likes
554
Location
Melbourne, Victoria
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
Other Teams
New Orleans Saints, Detroit Tigers
#10
Originally posted by Porthos
Anyone reading that list:

Did you find out even a single thing that you didn't already know but are interested in knowing?
I lost interest about two or three players in, it wasn't informative at all, at least not to one who follows the club closely.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Posts
1,597
Likes
264
Location
3004
AFL Club
Port Adelaide
#13
THE TRUTH? You can't handle the truth!

Cain Ackland – Has had a difficult run with injuries and form and has not played a game since round 12, 2001. Ruckman eager to add to his 12 games in 2004. Important year. (LAST CHANCE FOR A LONG-TIME PASSENGER)

Matthew Bishop – Key defender who is firmly entrenched in the back six. Has become a consistent performer and is set to take on further responsibility in 2004. 29 in 2004. (MUST CONTINUE TO IMPROVE)

Dean Brogan – Had a wonderful 2003 in the absence of injury-hit skipper Matthew Primus. Became one of the best rucks in the AFL and will look to repeat that in 2004. (WILL REPEAT THAT)

Peter Burgoyne – Had his best and most consistent AFL season, finishing third in the best and fairest in 2003 and will again be a pivotal midfield/forward option in 2004. (STILL NEEDS TO DO MORE AND STAY FOCUSED)

Shaun Burgoyne – The younger of the Burgoyne brothers also shone in just his second AFL season. Can play forward, back or in the midfield and should continue to prosper. (HAD A LOUSY YEAR - NEEDS TO PROVE HE IS MORE THAN A FRONTRUNNER)

Josh Carr – Had another highly consistent season and remains an integral part of the Power’s midfield brigade for 2004 as a ball-winner/run-with player. Turns 24 in 2004. (SOLID, TOUGH, ACCOUNTABLE - A PORT LEGEND)

Domenic Cassisi – Doubled his game tally in 2003 with 12 games, after making his debut in 2002. Emerging midfielder who looks set for further game time in 2004. (WE NEED SOME ARROGANCE IN THE MIDFIELD AND THIS KID MIGHT JUST HAVE IT)

Wade Champion – Developing key forward entering his second year on the club’s list, he will be hoping for a change of luck in 2004, after being sidelined for much of 2003. (ACKLAND'S UNDERSTUDY)

Troy Chaplin – The Power were rapt to gain the key defender/forward at No.15 in the 2003 National AFL Draft, when he was touted as a top 10 prospect. Could debut in 2004. (LET'S NOT WAIT 5 YEARS TO FIND OUT IF HE CAN PLAY)

Stuart Cochrane – Had a good first year with the club after crossing from the Roos. Became an important part of the midfield and will be looking to step-up again in 2004. (IF WE MUST)

Chad Cornes – Highly talented forward who will be 24 for the 2004 season. Has the ability to become one of the AFL’s genuine superstars and could be one to watch in 2004. (NEEDS TO BE POSITIVE, ABANDON THE KICK BACK TO THE GOALKEEPER, GET ON WITH IT. HAS THE ARROGANCE, BUT DOES HE HAVE THE GAME TO PLAY ON THE BALL?)

Kane Cornes – Underrated, versatile midfielder, defender or forward, who had a fine year in 2003 – his third season at AFL level and should continue to prosper in 2004. (PLAYS ON HEART - POULTON WITH SHARPER SKILLS)

Stuart Dew – Long-kicking forward/midfielder hindered with osteitis pubis in 2003. Now in his eighth season, but still only 24, he remains in the best 22 when fit and firing. (IF I WAS FIT AND FIRING, I GUESS I'D BE IN THE BEST 22 - NEEDS TO RETURN TO FORM OF 2001, BUT NEW GAMEPLAN MAY HAVE HIM AS A TAGGER)

Brett Ebert – Midfielder who won the Magarey Medal – at just 19 – in his first AFL listed season. Looks set to make his debut with the Power in 2004. The son of Russell. (NEEDS TO BE TESTED IMMEDIATELY - HE IS NOT A PROJECT PLAYER)

Robert Forster-Knight – The first ‘recycled’ player taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft, the versatile ex-Don will be looking to restart his career with the Power in 2004. (WILL GO OK - "VERSATILE" DESCRIBES EVERY ESSENDON PLAYER UNDER SHEEDY AND COULD ALSO MEAN "NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO CEMENT A SPOT"

Josh Francou – Sadly, the 2002 Brownlow runner-up and midfield dynamo will miss another season after snapping his anterior cruciate for a second time late in January. Irreplaceable. (THEY ARE ALL REPLACEABLE)

Stephen Gilham – Athletic, agile defender entering his second season at the Power. Still developing, he looms as a long-term prospect, but is likely to debut during 2004. (DOES PORT HAVE A HISTORY OF PICKING MORE PROJECTS THAN ANY OTHER CLUB? WHY DON'T WE JUST DRAFT FROM THE U12S AND WAIT FOR THEM?)

Chris Hall – Midfielder who made his debut in 2003, playing two games. Enters his fourth year with the club and will be looking to step-up in 2004. Important year ahead. (HEAVER, NAISH, SQUIRE, LET'S HOPE NOT)

Damien Hardwick – Veteran, hard-at-it, running defender entering his 11th AFL season. Remains an important part of the Power’s back six. He turns 32 in August 2004. (A MAN'S GOT TO KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS AND DIMMA HAS EXCELLENT KNOWLEDGE)

Roger James – Key member of the Power midfield brigade who was sorely missed in the 2003 finals due to groin problems. Remains an important in-and-under type. Underrated. (MUST NOT BE PLAYED UNTIL FULLY FIT)

Adam Kingsley – Defender/midfielder who was set to be delisted, yet gains a reprieve and will be determined to stay injury-free and re-establish a spot in 2004. Big year ahead. (IF PLAYED IN THE MIDFIELD WILL DO MORE THAN HOLD HIS SPOT. PLAY HIM DOWN BACK AND "BOMBSCARE")

Brendon Lade – Has been injury-riddled but had a solid year in 2003 playing in the ruck or as a key forward/defender. Looking to maintain a place in the best 22 in 2004. (MUST KICK GOALS TO CEMENT A SPORT)

Josh Mahoney – Shock draftee who has not played an AFL game since 2000. Has been strong in the VFL and at 26, the midfielder will be desperate to grasp his chance. (????)

Brett Montgomery – High-flying half-back who has been a standout since crossing to the Power. Now in the veteran status, he remains in the best 22, but will be 31 in 2004. (AND STILL HASN'T LEARNED TO PLAY UNDER REAL PRESSURE)

Luke Peel – Balanced defender who enters his first year at AFL level after being taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft. Could debut in 2004 and shows genuine promise. (SHOCK - A DRAFTEE SHOWS PROMISE)

Michael Pettigrew – Developing key defender/forward taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft. Has fine agility and speed for his size. An outside chance to debut in 2004. (????)

Byron Pickett – Versatile small forward, defender or midfielder who can shape a game with his physical presence. Will again be crucial to the side’s fortunes in 2004. (WAS FINE WHEN HE FOUND HIS SEA-LEGS. SHOULD BE OK AGAIN)

Jared Poulton – No frills, running defender entering his sixth AFL season. Faces a crucial year to claim a regular spot in the line-up, but adds depth to the squad. 27 in 2004. (GIVE HIM A BREAK CHOCCO - HE'S A GUY WHO GETS THE BALL IN A TEAM THAT SPECIALISES IN TRYING TO AVOID THEM)

Matthew Primus – Inspirational skipper who had his 2003 ruined with hamstring/knee injuries and new ruck interpretations. Turns 29 in January and will be desperate to bounce back to his imposing form. (HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE . . . ) (OUR FATHER, WHO ART . . .)

Steven Salopek – Emerging midfielder who is likely to become a more permanent fixture in 2004, after showing glimpses of his considerable talent in 2003. One to watch. (THE NEW GOLD PASS. TO ME HE LOOKED LIKE A TALENTED SCHOOLBOY LAST YEAR, RUNNING AROUND WITH THE BIG FELLAS. OF COURSE, HE WAS A SCHOOLBOY! I HOLD OUT GREAT HOPE FOR THIS GUY)

Jarrad Schofield – Underrated, ball-winning midfielder who remains an important member of the running brigade. Now in his 12th AFL season, he turns 29 in January. (IMPORTANT PLAYER - WHEN HE GOES OK, THE TEAM SEEMS TO FIRE)

Jacob Surjan – Explosive midfielder with good goal sense, who enters his first year with the club. Expected to develop via the SANFL in 2004, but is some chance to debut. (IF COLUMN INCHES ARE A GUIDE, HE'S A BROWNLOW CHANCE)

Brad Symes – A skillful defender/midfielder taken in the 2003 National AFL Draft. Will continue his development via the SANFL, but is in the mix to debut during 2004. (WIZARD CUP SHOULD SHOW US)

Toby Thurstans – Key tall finally made his debut in 2003 – his fifth season at the club – before a groin injury interrupted. Important year looms as he looks to establish a spot. (SOMEONE MUST REPLACE PACO. JUST WISH THE POWERS-THAT-BE HAD THOUGHT OF THAT BEFORE THEY LET 14 GO.)

Warren Tredrea – One of the best key forwards in the game, Tredrea enters 2004 as arguably the club’s most important player. A genuine match-winner who is still only 26. (MUST REPEAT IF WE ARE TO HAVE A CHANCE)

Darryl Wakelin – A key defender who has been as solid as a rock since crossing to the Power. Despite turning 30 in 2004, remains a vital player in the club’s back six. (SEE PRIMUS)

Gavin Wanganeen (v*) – Had a scintillating season in 2003 – his finest at AFL level. Remains a brilliant running defender, midfielder or forward in 2004. Turns 31 in 2004. (HAD HIS BEST POWER YEAR IN 03 - LET'S HOPE FOR REPEAT)

Damon White – Promising key forward entering his third season at the club. Showed continued development in the SANFL in 2003 and likely to make his AFL debut in 2004. (THE GREAT WHITE HOPE, THE MAN WHO WILL MAKE ADELAIDE GIRLS TAKE DOWN THEIR TONY MODRA POSTERS - IF ONLY!)

Michael Wilson – Defender/midfielder again battled injuries in 2003 after coming back from two knee reconstructions. In the best 22 when fit but faces important year. (IT COULD BE OVER FOR WILBUR, METHINKS)

Rookie list

Dale Ellis – At 197cm and 96kg, Ellis is a mobile, high-marking key position player who will continue to develop in the SANFL in 2004, after showing promise in 2003. (LOSERVILLE - NUF CED)

Adam Grocke – Emerging centre half-forward who showed encouraging signs in the SANFL in 2003. Will be looking to further his development in that competition in 2004. (??)

Salim Hassan – Livewire onballer/forward looking to take another step up in the SANFL in 2004 after showing promise in 2003. Born in Russia, he turns 22 in 2004. (???)

Joel Patfull – Gains a second year on the rookie list after showing positive signs as a forward in the SANFL in 2003. Will be looking to be elevated onto the main list in 2004. (MAYBE THE GUY TO COME UP IF THE WHITE MAN DOESN'T DO THE BUSINESS)
 
Top Bottom