Stevo's AFL season preview: 14th place
With just 14 days to go until the start of the AFL season, Channel 7's Mark Stevens takes a look at the team he thinks will finish the year in 14th place.
Return tomorrow when Stevo will take a look at the team he thinks will finish 13th.
PORT ADELAIDE
INS: Tom Clurey (drafted), Sam Colquhoun (drafted), Campbell Heath (traded from Sydney), Jack Hombsch (traded from GWS), Tom Jonas (rookie elevation), Angus Monfries (traded from Essendon), Jake Neade (traded from GWS), Mason Shaw (drafted), Lewis Stevenson (traded from West Coast), Oliver Wines (drafted)
OUTS: Mitch Banner, Troy Chaplin, Ben Jacobs, John McCarthy, Danyle Pearce, Simon Phillips, David Rodan, Steven Salopek, Jacob Surjan
BEST 22:
B: Tom Jonas, Alipate Carlile, Tom Logan
HB: Dom Cassisi, Jackson Trengove, Jasper Pittard
C: Kane Cornes, Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett
HF: Brett Ebert, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard
F: Angus Monfries, John Butcher, Robbie Gray
Foll: Brent Renouf, Travis Boak, Matthew Broadbent
I/C: Andrew Moore, Matt Thomas, Nick Salter, Justin Westhoff
BIGGEST GAME: In a season that is unlikely to offer many highlights, grabbing city bragging rights will provide some solace to weary Power fans. The Crows have won the past three Showdowns so when these two fierce foes do battle in Round 3, Port will be desperate to buck the trend.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Former Richmond product Jay Schulz scored 42 goals in 15 games last season, a remarkable achievement in a team that only won five matches all year. Along with young gun John Butcher and former Essendon forward Angus Monfries, Schulz will lead a solid forward line that will benefit if the Power’s midfield can get their hands on the footy.
RISING STAR: Regarded as one of the best young talents in the competition, Hamish Hartlett has been fast-tracked at the Power due to a lack of quality around him. If he can get his body right this season, his hard body and penetrating kick will be a huge bonus for the club.
IT'S A BIG YEAR FOR: Travis Boak. After almost returning home to Geelong last season, the Power’s new captain will have plenty of pressure on his shoulders as the playing group gets used to their fourth coach in as many seasons. With the prestigious No.1 on his back, Boak will be expected to turn his prolific ball-winning ability into meaningful possessions as the club continues the long road back to finals footy.
STEVO SAYS: I like the work of Ken Hinkley already. He's cool, calm and a great teacher. Full marks to Kochie for having a dip as president too. It might just rub off on-field as Port isn’t short on flair when it gets up and running. The Power have a friendly fixture and will trouble a few more highly rated sides if they can have luck with injury. Big Butcher at full-forward could be a revelation. He can take a catch and if he starts to get that swinging kick working for him, look out.
STEVO'S PREDICTION: 14th
Remember, footy is back LIVE and FREE on Channel 7 starting with with Adelaide v Essendon on March 22
Follow Mark on Twitter, @Stevo7AFL
Follow Martin on Twitter, @martinsmith87
