The 2004 Port Adelaide list - by a Crow

macca23

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Thread starter #1
I had a crack at this last year – see link below

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55834&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

and looking back on it, was pretty close overall which has encouraged me to have another bash at it this year. You may not agree with some of it, but it’s the way I see it as a non-Port supporter. Comments and opinions welcome, abuse pointless!!

Cain Ackland. One of the few disappointments on the Port list. Started his career encouragingly but doesn’t seem to have gone on with it. In fairness, hasn’t had a lot of chances, but he’s a back-up to the back-ups these days.

Matthew Bishop – has matured into an excellent dashing defender. Important cog in the Port wheel.

Dean Brogan – correctly picked him last year as the one who should be developed as the 2nd ruckman. He’s got talent this boy, so much so that he ended up #1 ruckman with Primus struggling with injury for most of the year. Good player.

Peter Burgoyne – if anything became a little more consistent last year, and can be a matchwinner when really firing. Clever player and very skilful.

Shaun Burgoyne – disappointed at times last year by mixing his form quite a bit. His best was very good, but he could drop right out of the game equally well. Talent to burn but needs to become more consistent.

Josh Carr – thought he stepped up even further last year. Has always been a good tagger, but he also got heaps of the ball as well last year.

Domenic Cassisi – I thought he was the best player outside of the 22 before the season started, and he proved that by stepping up and playing 12 games in 2003. Will be even further improved by the experience.

Wade Champion – Port need one of him or Damon White to step up and be the 3rd tall up forward.. Hasn’t happened yet, and I don’t think it’ll be him this year.

Troy Chaplin – on paper a good get by Port as he was expected to go much much earlier in the draft. Next year is more likely to be his year though.

Stuart Cochrane – very handy pick-up and Port definitely won this trade. Had a pretty good year as a tagger although faded somewhat towards the end of the year.

Chad Cornes – one of those players who improve noticeably every year to the point where he is now a key part of Port’ success or otherwise. One of the few who had a good final series. Would make an excellent CHB if he could be spared - but he can’t!

Kane Cornes – has grabbed his opportunities in 2003 and played every game for which he was available. The type of tagger who also gets tons of the ball. Relatively quiet final series apart from the Essendon game.

Stuart Dew – booming kicker of the ball who only has to touch it a few times to be a match-winner. He’ll be looking for an improved 2004 after his season was delayed and affected by the dreaded osteitis pubis.

Brett Ebert – thankfully the hierarchy at Port resisted the temptation to play young Ebert at AFL level in 2003, and both were appropriately rewarded with his Magarey Medal win. Should make his mark with confidence in 2004 as a result.

Robert Forster-Knight – coming up 23 and only played the 21 AFL games, including 4 in 2003. Strange draft choice, but obviously drafted for a very specific reason. Can he do it? We’ll find out.

Josh Francou – what a loss this guy was. The best in close on-baller in the AFL Good to see him back and even if he’s at 50% initially he’ll still be better than most.

Stephen Gilham – the “Splinter” has bulked up considerably since last season. There’s a few in front of him at this stage, but I like his attitude, and he’s mobile enough to play in a variety of positions. A player of the future.

Christopher Hall – hasn’t had any luck with injuries, but didn’t set the world on fire in his 2 random games. Could well be his last chance year.

Damien Hardwick – had a reasonably good 2003 and was one of the ones who did okay in finals. Had setbacks to his pre-season with cartilage problems, which doesn’t help when you’re the wrong side of 31. Could be his last year.

Roger James – at his best, one of the classiest acts in the Port side and probably the most skilled. Another who’s having an injury marred pre-season, and is a crucial player to Port’s success.

Adam Kingsley – a long time owner of the gold pass down Alberton way, and gained a last minute reprieve after the threat of being de-listed. Media reports say he’s heard the wake-up call – if he hasn’t he’ll hear the supporters!!

Brendon Lade – hats off to the big fella for taking his opportunities in a season that was going to be make or break for him. He and Brogan did a great job once Primus went down with injury. Do Port play the 3 big men this year?

Josh Mahoney – either a very shrewd draft choice or a very silly one – time will tell.

Brett Montgomery – has been an excellent player in defence since coming to the Power, who definitely won the Eagleton trade in lumps.

Luke Peel – time will be the answer to this one. One of the several players that Port drafted that were tipped to go earlier.

Michael Pettigrew – same comments as for Peel.

Byron Pickett – Struggled for the first 6 to 7 games and looked ready to be dropped before showing just how good an acquisition he has been. Another steal by Port.

Jared Poulton – not the best player at Port but definitely the most honest, and improved his skills dramatically in 2003. The type you’d take into the trenches with you.

Matthew Primus – All-Australian in 2002 and a nightmare 2003 thanks to injury. The skipper will be a more than welcome return to the ranks this year.

Steven Salopek – a class mid-fielder of the future provided he has taken no ill-effects from his shoulder reconstruction. Played 9 games last year – 6 before he turned 18 – and should be a regular this year.

Jarrad Schofield – had an excellent 2003 providing huge run and rebound into the forward lines. Dangerous player once he has the ball.

Jacob Surjan – on paper another good get, as he was widely tipped to be either a 1st or 2nd round draft choice. Would be surprised if he plays this year though.

Brad Symes – local boy and another good get in the draft. Doubt he will make it this year, but looks to be a real chance long-term.

Toby Thurstans – been around a long time for little return. Managed 10 games for 2003 around a bout of O.P. which undoubtedly restricted him in the games he did play. Looks useful though.

Warren Tredrea – great player and one of the very best in the AFL. The quality player in the Port forward set-up.

Darryl Wakelin – Occasionally gets exposed by a really mobile quick forward, but in general a very steady key defender. Probably a couple of seasons left in him.

Gavin Wanganeen – had an enormous 2003 – by far his best year since his Brownlow medal winning year, and it would have been good to see him tie with the other winners this year as a reward. Class act.

Damon White – injury has wrecked his prospects so far. More likely to be the 3rd tall up forward at this stage than Champion. Judgement reserved.

Michael Wilson – class player before his major injuries. Will be better this year for the games back last year.

Even allowing for the loss of Stevens, it’s a pretty formidable line-up with depth, and should finish in the top 4 again, barring major injuries.

They do have the players - could this be their year?
 

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A more than reasonable assessment I'd have thought. From what I've seen in recent training (which obviously you wouldn't have had the opportunity to see) White is so far ahead of Champion for a spot in the forward line, he's just a speck in the distance.

C. Cornesy could be a chance to get some new roles if some of the training drills with White and Lade/Ackland up forward with Tredrea come off in showtime. But that's a big if right now. If it did happen my preference would be for Cornesy get a run on the ball.
 

Stiffy_18

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#3
From a perspective of another crows supporter (who keeps an eye on Ports list) I think you did a very good job macca. Now that you have done the Port analysis, how about doing one of our list??????:);):p
 

Portia

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#4
I've only got comments on Cornes and Cornes

Chad's defensive style, to my mind, is the sort that would be awesome if he was behind an intense, ballgetting midfield, because then the opposition midfield would have a lot less time to be precise with their kicking and he would be the best to read the flight of the ball every time. Chuck him at Collingwood and they'd call him God.

Of course if the opposition are allowed to play chipping controlled football, picking their targets, I don't reckon he would have much show (in a non-flooded defence) as he lacks the pace of the true leading forwards. Of course, usually you flood against a chipping game, so I could just be talking out of my arse.

Kane was disappointing last year, in my mind. Yes, he tagged consistently, but his own disposals on the whole were a lot damaging than they had been in 2002. I'd be hoping for a significant improvement this year.
 

PAfolwr

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#5
Disappointed.
Last year you told us who was going.
What happened this year, did you lose your direct phone line to Choco? :)

From last year.
Che ****atoo-Collins - soft and lazy. Would rather get a free kick than earn one. Sure he had a good 2001 after being threatened with delisting. Slid straight back to the old Che in 2002. Not for me.
Brent Guerra - middle of the road player who started with a bang and hasn't improved much. Is of AFL standard but will get passed by team-mates if he doesn't improve further.
Paul Koulouriotis - nope, just don't rate him at all. Gone at end of 2003.
Adam Morgan - doesn't make my heart skip a beat after 4 years on the list and 2 forgettable AFL games. In the words of Elvis "It's Now or Never"!!
Nick Stevens - similar comments to Schofield, although Nick is starting to toughen up.
Kane McGoodwin re:Stevens Will he still be at the Power in 2004?
Stephen Paxman - been a great pick-up and a grand defender. Just losing a bit of mobility, probably as a result of his injury and 2003 could well be his last year.



wrt the list, my one fear is that our tall backs could be too similar and thus "unbalanced".
We need a general back there.
 

macca23

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Originally posted by PAfolwr
Disappointed.
Last year you told us who was going.
What happened this year, did you lose your direct phone line to Choco? :)

It's a bit harder this year, as they've cleaned the list out a bit and drafted some young players for the future. It's a good list.

The only really questionable ones at this stage are Forster-Knight and Mahoney - I have no idea how they will go.

Ackland would be in danger if he was a couple of inches shorter, but as I said he's the back-up to the back-ups, so he'll be around until they draft a young ruckman in a year or two.

Wade Champion would want to show a bit at SANFL level this year, but Port's history says he'll get every chance.

IMO the ones most likely not to be there in 2005 are

Hall, who will be leap-frogged by Salopek, Ebert etc

Damien Hardwick who could retire/be asked to retire at the end of the year in line with Mead, and Paxman. Port don't usually wait until they are no good anymore before that happens.

As I said, it's a good list.
 
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#9
Not wanting to steal Macca's thunder, for what it is worth...

Cain Ackland - Would need many injuries to ruckman or tall forwards to get in the team (by default). Reckon he will be delisted from Port's list within the year (& I can collect my carton of beer).

Matthew Bishop – Great pickup from the Dees. Crucial with Paxman no longer at the club that he has a solid year to allow Thurstans to be eased in as 3rd tall.

Dean Brogan – Was calling for him to be your 2nd ruckman instead of French (whose move to the Blues turned out to be a blessing in disguise). Scary thing is that he can even get better!

Peter Burgoyne – As Macca said he gained consistency in 2003, which surprised me. With Stevens gone, he needs to continue to be that consistent skillfull midfielder in 2004. Can he be consistent for 2 years in a row? Probably as he has mutured a lot.

Shaun Burgoyne – Should have been dropped in 2003 to give him a good boot up the arse! Needs to take a leaf out of his brother's book, rather than lazy CCC.

Josh Carr – Solid as usual & should have another consistent year.

Domenic Cassisi – Made the most of his chances & showed he was up to AFL level. Should be given more opportunities in 2004, rather than making way for name players without the form on the board.

Wade Champion – Haven't seen enough of him to comment. Big wraps, but would want to start burning in the SANFL & demand a place in the team.

Troy Chaplin – Too early to comment, but looks a good pickup.

Stuart Cochrane – Won this trade hands down, when you traded a dud for a handy role player. Has the advantage of playing as a tall midfielder.

Chad Cornes – Will he or won't he play at CHB. Personally, I'm not yet convinced & reckon he should play as a floating forward flanker with Tredrea & White/Lade/etc in the key forward posts.

Kane Cornes – Been solid, but now needs to take that extra step with Stevens gone from the midfield mix. Was a ball magnet for Glenelg, so should now be looking to do the same for Port.

Stuart Dew – Went backwards in 2003 with injury. Worry that like Welshy he may never get back to playing good regular footy due to being injury-prone.

Brett Ebert – Has done is apprenticeship, so should be blooded for a few games in 2004. Looks a very likely type.

Robert Forster-Knight – Personally think he is a dud & not up to AFL standard. Can he prove me wrong?

Josh Francou – Should offset most of the Stevens loss if he gets back near his best. Hate the little buggar, but can seriously play & find plenty of the ball.

Stephen Gilham – Again to early to say, but looks at a good prospect.

Christopher Hall – Will be competing with the likes of Salopek & Ebert for a midfield berth. Handy player, but IMO not in their class & will struggle to make the side. Likely to be traded / delisted at the end of 2004.

Damien Hardwick – Started the year slow, but can't beat his experience come finals time. Starting to get showed up for pace, so need quick players around him. Could be his last chance to win another flag.

Roger James – Badly missed in the later part of 2003 & crucial to Port's chances that he gets fit again. No longer under-rated like he was.

Adam Kingsley – I am mystified as to why he is still on Port's list, particularly considering Paxman got delisted. The less said the better.

Brendon Lade – If Primus gets back to near his best, no real room for Lade in the ruck. Great skills for a big bloke, so may have to play as a permanent forward. Deserves a spot in the side, as he showed he is one who does perform in the heat of the finals.

Josh Mahoney – Laughed myself silly when I heard you drafted him. In hindsight the selection has me completely buggared. Reckon this is the strangest selection ever by the Stweart as he is an old dud.

Brett Montgomery – Important utility who plays tall. However, lost some consistency in 2003. Can he get it back, as there are plenty of others lining up for his spot.

Luke Peel – Too early to comment.

Michael Pettigrew – Too early to comment.

Byron Pickett – Choco kept the faith in him after a slow start & repaid the faith. Very exciting to watch when onsong & a genuine matchwinner. Still remember his efforts in the dying moments of the Hawks game - incredible!

Jared Poulton – Been stiffed by the selection committee & should have got more games in 2003 as rarely puts in a bad performance. Got to admire his loyalty for staying with Port, but would he been better off asking to be traded?

Matthew Primus – Can he recapture his AA form. Will be a huge plus if he can & would give Port the best ruck combination in the AFL.

Steven Salopek – Should get more chances this year. Like what I see as this kid is all class. Does he have the mental toughness too? I think so.

Jarrad Schofield – Damaging when onsong, but can be hot & cold at times. Could get overtaken by the younger guns if he lacks consistency.

Jacob Surjan – Highly rated, but too early to comment.

Brad Symes – Too early to comment.

Toby Thurstans – Given he was made to really wait (too long) for his debut, it's a real pity he got injured in 2003, as was playing good footy. With Paxman gone & Wakelin getting towards the later years of his career, crucial he becomes a regular key defender. Capable of playing forward too if required.

Warren Tredrea – Best CHF in the competition. Enough said!

Darryl Wakelin – Starting to slow up, but wise enough to get by for another 2 years. Have Bishop & Thurstans who can take the more mobile key forwards.

Gavin Wanganeen – Showed what a gun he is when free of injury. Still capable of winning a Brownlow if he can repeat his 2003 form.

Damon White – Excellent prospect, but has he been struck by the Lockwood curse? Would be a real bonus to the forward line if he could hold down FF as the kid can play.

Michael Wilson – Reckon after being back a year from injury he will be the wildcard for Port in 2004. Likely to see him add some grunt to the midfield mix.
 

macca23

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Thread starter #10
Re: Re: The 2004 Port Adelaide list - by a Crow

Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin

Jared Poulton – Been stiffed by the selection committee & should have got more games in 2003 as rarely puts in a bad performance. Got to admire his loyalty for staying with Port, but would he been better off asking to be traded?

I have to admit that when I was doing my review, I thought exactly that. He'd be a regular with most teams in the AFL and deservedly so.

Won't happen of course, as he bleeds black and white, with the occasional drop of teal thrown in.
 

PAfolwr

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#11
Re: Re: Re: The 2004 Port Adelaide list - by a Crow

Originally posted by macca23
Damien Hardwick – had a reasonably good 2003 and was one of the ones who did okay in finals. Had setbacks to his pre-season with cartilage problems, which doesn’t help when you’re the wrong side of 31. Could be his last year.
Yep. Done it again. :eek:
He just announced it here.
"This will be my last year and I just hope to get through it. Like everyone I will be hoping the team can come through with a premiership to finish it off," defender Hardwick said.
 

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macca23

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Thread starter #12
Re: Re: Re: Re: The 2004 Port Adelaide list - by a Crow

Originally posted by PAfolwr
Yep. Done it again. :eek:
He just announced it here.
"This will be my last year and I just hope to get through it. Like everyone I will be hoping the team can come through with a premiership to finish it off," defender Hardwick said.
I did see that!!

Doesn't look good for Chris Hall based on history, does it!! ;)
 

portly

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#13
Originally posted by portly
Well done Macca23. Cannot see Chad at CHB, other than as a fillin, without a lot more education though.
Well tan my hide!! Heard Chocko on 5AA say that he was now training Chad as a CHB. I'm wrong again!
 

mic59

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#14
Originally posted by macca23
Josh Francou – what a loss this guy was. The best in close on-baller in the AFL Good to see him back and even if he’s at 50% initially he’ll still be better than most.
Nice summation but here's a slightly more succinct and updated one - Bugger.

Originally posted by macca23
Even allowing for the loss of Stevens, it’s a pretty formidable line-up with depth, and should finish in the top 4 again, barring major injuries.
Maybe even WITH major injuries?
 

macca23

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Thread starter #15
Re: Re: The 2004 Port Adelaide list - by a Crow

Originally posted by mic59

Maybe even WITH major injuries?
I still think Port will finish top 4.

History shows that players can only generate about half rat power in their first year back after a knee reco.

I hadn't allowed for Francou to be a dominant player when predicting where Port will finish, and he wasn't there in 2003 either.

If one of the young lads in Ebert or Salopek can even do a good job at just receiving and finishing they will have gone a long way to covering Stevens.

Port will be there when it counts. They just have to make it count.
 
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#16
Originally posted by portly
Well tan my hide!! Heard Chocko on 5AA say that he was now training Chad as a CHB. I'm wrong again!
In addition to this, I have it on very good authority that he'll play out most (if not all) of the year at CHB.

RE this being Dimma's last year, I didnt see that! Here's to a great year for him (and us). Behind ya all the way Cankles :)
 
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