Forzaport
Brownlow Medallist
We probably already knew that our injuries this year have been amongst the worst of all the teams in the competition. A quick read of the article below suggests we're about 2nd in games missed due to injury with only Melbourne having a worse run than us. Our poor run with injuries may help to save Primus' bacon but will also put the focus on our medical and conditioning department as opposed to the coaches' box.
Link
Link
LinkHealth Check
PORT ADELAIDE
Games missed: After just three wins last year, Port Adelaide needed luck on its side to really move up the ladder in 2012. Instead the club has been decimated with injuries to key personnel. Just six players - Kane Cornes, Brad Ebert, Matthew Broadbent, Troy Chaplin, Justin Westhoff and Paul Stewart - have played every game. Overall, the club's best 22 has missed 105 matches.
Players used: 35. Given the injuries at Alberton this season, it's interesting to note the club has used so few players. The Power haven't enjoyed the same depth as their cross-town rivals this year and it shows. They've given just three players an AFL debut, although Darren Pfeiffer and Brent Renouf both played their first games for the Power, having previous AFL experience.
A-graders: Many of Port's best have missed a lot of football in 2012. Robbie Gray has missed all but two games after a horror knee injury in round four, Jay Schulz has been plagued with injuries, Dom Cassisi has missed three games, Jackson Trengove, Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak; the list goes on. Football can be a cruel game and in 2012 it hasn't offered Port any mercy.
Current injury list: John Butcher (hip), Robbie Gray (knee), Hamish Hartlett (hamstring), Cam O'Shea (foot), Jasper Pittard (ribs/lung), Brent Renouf (knee), David Rodan (hamstring), Nick Salter (foot), Jay Schluz (abdomen), Jacob Surjan (glute).
Set to return: The Power can expect to have several good players return over the next few weeks. John Butcher's troublesome hip is getting better and Hamish Hartlett is nearing the end of his rehab on another hamstring injury. David Rodan's niggling hamstring injury might allow him to return sooner rather than later and Jacob Surjan is expected back this week. Renouf's knee is still bothering him and Cam O'Shea is unlikely to return this season. The club is hopeful Pittard can get back into the side before 2012 is over.
Prognosis: While 2012 was always going to be a slog for the Power, injuries have really hurt the side. Their best players have struggled to keep fit and the loss of Robbie Gray early in the season was unfortunately a sign of things to come. Despite the injury toll, the Power have done well to already better their 2011 tally of wins. Given more luck next year, the club will be hopeful of making some real progress. -Harry Thring