A pretty disappointing performance, and a very dull game after such a great spectacle in last year's GF. Port never looked like they could win at any stage. The sort of display you get when the club is run by people with no understanding of, or interest in, the Port Adelaide ethos, and therefore none of that attitude being instilled in the young players. Looked like a bunch of kids making kid mistakes, and much like the Port AFL side: a bunch of plodding, poorly skilled mids, no game plan, aimless bombing of the ball into the forward line, etc. etc.
A few thoughts on players of interest:
Garner - a bit of a favourite on these boards, but wasn't good yesterday. Did a few good/courageous things but too much dumb stuff and seems to have no idea how to tackle without giving away high tackle frees.
Frampton - starting to slide off the Billy train, dropped so many easy marks yesterday it was almost comical. Don't know if the hand injury might have affected him. Kicked poorly too. Not our worst by any means, had every chance to bag 5 or 6 goals, but stuffed it up. Still hope he's with us next year.
Marshall - no impact. Maybe more to do with the crap delivery and lack of system.
Drew - his kicking is atrocious. Looking more and more like another of the type we don't need.
Trengove - got a bit of the ball but hard to see him having enough impact at AFL level to get another go.
Farrell - not competitive enough, only gets the ball if someone else gives it to him. It's OK to be an outside player but sometimes you've got to fight for it. Hope he can improve, but not convinced.
McKenzie - not able to have his usual influence. Hope he gets another year and gets to play in the right role for him, has something to offer.
Ladhams - showed flashes of his talent but no real impact in the ruck.
Hayes - won lots of taps but our plodding midfield couldn't take advantage.
Atley, Mayes, Lienert - all look like no more than SANFL standard players.
Overall, a bit deflating - beaten by a more committed and decently coached side. Sound familiar?
A few thoughts on players of interest:
Garner - a bit of a favourite on these boards, but wasn't good yesterday. Did a few good/courageous things but too much dumb stuff and seems to have no idea how to tackle without giving away high tackle frees.
Frampton - starting to slide off the Billy train, dropped so many easy marks yesterday it was almost comical. Don't know if the hand injury might have affected him. Kicked poorly too. Not our worst by any means, had every chance to bag 5 or 6 goals, but stuffed it up. Still hope he's with us next year.
Marshall - no impact. Maybe more to do with the crap delivery and lack of system.
Drew - his kicking is atrocious. Looking more and more like another of the type we don't need.
Trengove - got a bit of the ball but hard to see him having enough impact at AFL level to get another go.
Farrell - not competitive enough, only gets the ball if someone else gives it to him. It's OK to be an outside player but sometimes you've got to fight for it. Hope he can improve, but not convinced.
McKenzie - not able to have his usual influence. Hope he gets another year and gets to play in the right role for him, has something to offer.
Ladhams - showed flashes of his talent but no real impact in the ruck.
Hayes - won lots of taps but our plodding midfield couldn't take advantage.
Atley, Mayes, Lienert - all look like no more than SANFL standard players.
Overall, a bit deflating - beaten by a more committed and decently coached side. Sound familiar?