Will Port really be the slider in 2014?

[Gibbke]

They'll be competitive, but won't outdo this year's performances. I tipped them for the eight in 2013, based upon an imminent overcoming of all sorts of off field shit, and the fact that their much maligned list was never that bad to begin with. While it's accurate to say, as someone did above, that AFL coaches aren't complacent when it comes to studying other teams, it's also fair to say Port did take everyone by surprise, so you can guarantee opposition analysis this time around will be fitting for a team that finished sixth. I'd also like to think the determination they showed will continue into the next season, so the only thing Port will be challenged by is improved opposition tactics based upon countering what they did successfully in 2013...with a tougher draw, they'll find going up the ladder too difficult...

 

[Smoocher]

Good young list but like half a dozen teams they will be anywhere from 6th - 12th depending on luck, injuries and fixture.


________________________________________________________________________________________________
In Arron Black We Trust!

 

[Barry_Badrinath]

I think that they could be a top 6 team next year. Polec and White with a new environment could dominate, Westoff, Cornes, Boak and Wingard having a year like they had this year and players like Wines Neade, Pittard, Colquhoun having break-out seasons could see them in the top 6 next year.

White is solid depth and provides good run and carry, but the only thing I can see him dominating is the time trials.

 

[PatientMental]

White is solid depth and provides good run and carry, but the only thing I can see him dominating is the time trials.

Beaten by Kane Cornes convincingly. So I doubt that.

 

[John Hart Jnr]

Due to a harder fixture Port will need to improve to make the eight.

Our age profile suggests there is plenty of room to improve.

 

[Harris Specter]

Will be keeping a close eye on them next year. Certainly have the tools to be in contention again, but injuries to key players at the wrong times could prove their downfall and really test their depth.

They'll easily smash Carlton in Round 1 though.

 

[Tiger71]

The thing with Port is they have not improved there forward line power. Everything still will go through Schulz. Now I rate Schulz but with the most ball going through him makes them predictable and easy to defend against. Will be interesting who will further step up.

 

[moses]

Port in 2012 looked like they had done half a preseason. Port in 2013 looked supremely fit. With another pre-season with Burgess I can see them being one of the fittest teams in the comp.

Given the hunger they played with in the finals series, I can't see them sliding. Really rate Hinks as a coach.

 

[DaVe86]

The thing with Port is they have not improved there forward line power. Everything still will go through Schulz. Now I rate Schulz but with the most ball going through him makes them predictable and easy to defend against. Will be interesting who will further step up.

When they were going well this year, it was Justin Westhoff who was the one firing.

If they can get Butcher going as well then they have a dangerous forward line with Monfries and Wingard up there too and now White adding pace.

I just think they are so fit. Although they might not be the best team, they will overrun teams again. A lot of sides will struggle to match it.

They overrun my team twice last year even though I still think the Pies still have the better onfield side. This heat training is all the rage, and to go to Dubai I think is a smart move.

 

[jackster83]

Their outside game is very good; one of the best in the competition. Their attack is very dangerous while their defence is improving.

Their inside mid stocks are wafer thin though - they've got Boak, Wines and a couple of 31 year olds. Going on a recruiting spree for yet more outside mids was a bit surprising considering that was already their strength.

I think they'll be in the 4-8 range depending on injuries and whether they cop McInerney in close games again.

 

[Schulzenfest]

Their inside mid stocks are wafer thin though - they've got Boak, Wines and a couple of 31 year olds. Going on a recruiting spree for yet more outside mids was a bit surprising considering that was already their strength.

We've also got Ebert and Moore with Ben Newton (was killing it in the SANFL in the last couple of months of the season) waiting in the wings. I must admit I was disappointed that we took Impey over Trent Dumont though.

I think they'll be in the 4-8 range depending on injuries and whether they cop McInerney in close games again.

Did enjoy this comment

 

[Mattrox]

Plus this is their 2nd year with a proper fitness programme.

The best 22 will be fitter than last year, the only question now is how they will respond to teams who will review their best performances from last year.

 

[Ported]

Think a few players will improve a little from last year, but it will probably come down to injuries/suspensions/luck of the bounce in close games.

Although we were fairly lucky with injuries come the end of the year, I thought we were pretty harshly dealt with by the MRP, with a few of our better players copping 2-3 week suspensions. Maybe just bias. Would be interested to see a ladder of most suspended clubs for 2013.

 

[Puddy]

I think they'll be in the 4-8 range depending on injuries and whether they cop McInerney in close games again.

he should be investigated for match fixing.

 

[Epilegs]

Can't imagine other teams would even consider "taking the foot off the gas" in the last quarter, like they may have done this year.

 

[Papa G]

If Butcher and Redden come on, we have no significant injuries to key defenders, we are actually a chance for the top 4. Chances of Butcher coming on are probably 30%, Chances of Redden coming on are probably 60%. We have a lot of depth, quality and now speed in the midfield, flanks and wings.

 

[Collingwoodity]

I feel for them. They might lose the derby in rnd 2 after not getting a proper game in their walkover in round 1.

 

[Harris Specter]

I feel for them. They might lose the derby in rnd 2 after not getting a proper game in their walkover in round 1.

Even the NAB cup games prepare them better for Round 2.

 

[Schulzenfest]

I like how this thread has just turned into everyone bagging Carlton

 

[simba_]

he should be investigated for match fixing.

he'll be awarded for his match 'overseeing' in due time

 

[Big Trozza]

Blues will pump them round 1,

While Port did have a lot go right this year (injuries, draw etc.) they do have a lot of quality, young talent and a young age profile. Plenty of improvement to be had. Burgess and Hinkley also appear a quality duo. Howver I think they're perhaps one quality key forward short from really challenging.

 

[Andre]

Whether we improve or slide in 2014 (there are valid arguments for both) one think that I think is unfair in the summaries here is saying we had good luck with injuries. Too many people look at how we turned it around to be the second best 4th quarter side in 2013 and assume the increased fitness is all that Burgess accomplished. The first job of a fitness coach is to keep the players from being injured. It doesn't matter how good they are if they are in the stands watching. The lack of soft tissue injuries and reduction in other injuries, IMO, can be largely attributed to him.

 

[Croweater]

They'll be around the mark in 2014.

Sure they have a harder draw, however another pre-season into the young guys should cancel that out.

They've done a lot of things right. Ken Hinkley and Darren Burgess' appointments were masterstrokes and Kochie is a lovable dork who's doing great things for Port over in the East. The lack of proven tall forwards is a concern however Butcher or one of Mitch Harvey or Mason Shaw could emerge next season.

To be honest, as long as Port finish at least mid-table, it won't be a disaster.

With that list and age profile, I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of Premiership Cups in the trophy cabinet at Alberton within the next five years.

 

[Go the Guts]

Due to a harder fixture Port will need to improve to make the eight.

Our age profile suggests there is plenty of room to improve.

It also suggests a fair possibility to go backwards. Either is possible.

 

[John Hart Jnr]

It also suggests a fair possibility to go backwards. Either is possible.

Next year is a different year. From year to year major raises and falls are the exception and not the norm.

We won 12 minor round games last season so we're more likely to win 9 to 15 than anything else. Nine wins sees us just above the bottom four and 15 wins sees us pushing for a top four spot.

Anything can happen.