Forward Structure - A changing of the guard

[Cosmicwinduptoy24]

There's been constant talk over the past few years about how Port's predictable forward 50 structure has been diabolically bad—too reliant on bombing it long to Dixon and hoping to lock it in for repeat F50 entries. We've seen time and time again that this method doesn't stand up in finals when defensive structures tighten, and intercept defenders feast on predictable entries.

But if preseason is anything to go by, it looks like Port has finally made a shift. Instead of the old "kick it long and hope" approach, there are signs of a system that more closely resembles Hawthorn’s 2024 forward model. What’s particularly interesting is that this shift aligns with a league-wide trend—smaller forwards are becoming increasingly important, often more so than traditional key talls.

Port seems to have recognized this evolution, having specifically targeted recruits over the last two off-season's to suit a more dynamic, ground-level-forward setup. Obviously, it’s still very early days, but this thread is to flag the change and monitor how the new game plan evolves throughout the season.

 

[El_Scorcho]

Agree, generally. Against St Kilda we seemed far more interested in run and carry and chipping around to open up space than our usual route 1 hospital balls into the forward line. We also seem less keen on the ultra high press, which will mean we'll concede more I50s but be in a better position to deal with them. Early days but we might finally be putting Hinkleyball behind us

 

[EskimoPAFC]

Under a real coach there is a huge amount of talent there now.

Joe1, Joe2 and Willy2K could potentially be the best small trio in the comp. No guarantees as two are untested, and the other misses games for reasons all the time and is already 29... but if we had a proper coach we would absolutely feel excited about what could be.

Pep & DBJ as defensive midsizes who can play many positions, then Lord, MG, Whitlock and Luko provide us some real hope for the future too in terms of dynamic talls.

In short I agree with you OP and can't wait to see what they can do in 2026 and beyond. Just sucks that we have to waste 12 months before we find out.

 

[PowerLil]

Wow. It took from when Dixon walked through the Alberton doors until he left last year to realise a change was required? Smart people down there

 

[Interstater]

SuperWillieGeorgie, expeRichLukosious,
Charlie's gone, the heats on Chad,
Houston was precocious
Even dodgy free kicks
Make the saints look just atrocious
SuperWillieGeorgie, expeRichLukosious.

 

[Launchpad McQuack]

SuperWillieGeorgie, expeRichLukosious,
Charlie's gone, the heats on Chad,
Houston was precocious
Even dodgy free kicks
Make the saints look just atrocious
SuperWillieGeorgie, expeRichLukosious.

I prefer that Limp Bizkit song about Roller.