Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows both have legitimate premiership ambitions in 2018
BOTH Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows have made additions to their squads to give them real premiership ambitions in 2018, writes Chris McDermott.
Chris McDermott
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INTERNAL trials have begun and a player’s heart pumps just a little quicker this time of year with the countdown is to round 1 under way.
It’s a great time for players and supporters as expectation builds for every one of the 18 clubs regardless of where they finished last season.
Yes, even for bottom-placed Brisbane. With Luke Hodge in their midst now why wouldn’t they have hope?
Few have bigger dreams than the Power and Crows.
Both will have their sights set on premiership glory.
The Crows looking to go one step better than in 2017, the Power banking on their sensational recruiting to pay off in the best way possible.
The Crows off-season has been very targeted.
Bryce Gibbs is the star recruit who will strengthen the Crows midfield or their run from defence. Coach Don Pyke’s biggest decision is where he best fits.
Is it overkill with him on-ball in partnership with Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Matt and Brad Crouch and Rory Atkins?
Rory Laird ranked 7th in the AFL for rebounds from defence, Brodie Smith was next best for Adelaide ranked 24th.
Gibbs can fill the loss of Smith (knee) and give the Crows two elite rebounders.
The Crows list is very good. It has depth, it has options, it has pressure on the first picked 22 to play well and it has some quality youth but it is also showing early signs of fragility.
Smith will miss most if not all of the season. Hugh Greenwood has had concerns. Taylor Walker is in a moon boot and Cam Ellis-Yolmen, is a work in progress as he recovers from his long-term knee injury.
Sam Gibson is another certainty to get an early chance to impress. The former North Melbourne defender is match hardened and near bulletproof having played 130 consecutive games.
With Greenwood in some doubt at this early stage a good look at what Gibson brings and the knowledge and smarts that comes with him is a must.
Now it’s time for youth - namely Tom Doedee in defence and first-year draftee Darcy Fogarty in attack.
Doedee’s done his time and developed his craft in the SANFL and now needs an opportunity while Fogarty will be on a steep learning curve but must get himself in the best shape possible.
Big man Reilly O’Brien is in a similar category but arguably even more important.
He is one injury away from being the Crows No.1 ruckman. He must follow Sam Jacobs’ every move throughout the summer, just in case. His biggest crime will be not to have done exactly that.
O’Brien has a huge role to play in 2018 regardless of how much game time in the AFL he plays.
In a very even year where there is no legitimate premiership favourite, the Crows begin their 2018 campaign intent on the ultimate success.
For a rare time the Power and the Crows have similar goals. Similar dreams. Similar expectations. A premiership. To aim any lower is a cop out.
When you add Stevie Motlop, Tom Rocklif, Jack Watts, Trent McKenzie, Jack Trengove, Lindsay Thomas and Dom Barry to any team it makes it better. It has made the Power premiership contenders at the very least.
Their depth has been a problem in recent years and injuries have taken their toll but in 2018 they have more than 30 ready-to-go AFL-standard players. Lack of talent will not be a problem.
Six of those seven players mentioned are proven at the level while Barry is the great unknown but the early signs are exciting.
Rockliff’s inclusion to the team’s leadership group suggests he is penned in for Round 1. Not sure there was ever any doubt.
He appears a quality human who has battled some adversity in recent years, much like Jack Trengove and will re-emerge better for that tough experience.
A Power midfield runs a deep as any in the game.
Travis Boak, Olle Wines, Brad Ebert, Robbie Gray, Sam Powell-Pepper and Chad Wingard cover every midfield base needed and the addition of Rockliff makes it near an embarrassment of riches.
Remember too, Rockliff is still to turn 28. His best years in the game are still to come.
Motlop challenges him as the Power’s best recruit but he carries some unfortunate and undeserved baggage.
He is, however, a matchwinner, a game-breaker and a team player who can fill numerous roles.
Watts is another misunderstood player who will be better at Alberton. He will add a roaming forward target to the Power’s star-studded attack.
McKenzie might shock a few and does have some weapons that could be put to good use in the Power’s back half while Trengove must be given time to find his niche in this team.
Let the trials begin but watch closely. If 2018 is to be a premiership season every game must count, every one of them. Starting now!
FIVE TO WATCH
ADELAIDE
Bryce Gibbs
A proven, AFL-hardened, elite midfielder that can hit the scoreboard. What position he plays will be the biggest question.
Sam Gibson
Has earned the right to play and has a solid grasp already on a spot for Round 1. Some “Shinboner spirit” never goes astray.
Tom Doedee
After strong performances in the SANFL in 2017 the athletic 21 year old is cherry ripe for a crack at the big time. The Crows defence is not easy to break in to but he must be given every chance.
Darcy Fogarty
The 2017 No.12 draft pick will not be rushed but at 192cm and 93kg he is physically ready to play. Sometimes you’ve just got to take a punt and if ever the Crows are going to do it , it is with this youngster.
Reilly O’Brien
Now 22 and with several years experience in the SANFL he must be given some decent game time at AFL level. Strong at stoppages and developing his positioning around the ground, his time has arrived.
PORT ADELAIDE
Tom Rockliff
The former Brisbane skipper is a beauty in every sense of the word. An old-fashioned footballer with a great sense of team, he will be a great asset and sounding board for Power captain Travis Boak.
Steven Motlop
He comes from outstanding stock, from a great family and boy can he play the game.
He will be a sensation for this club. Could fill a vacancy on the wing or just as easily be a 30-50 goal forward.
Jack Trengove
I love this kid, his courage, his work ethic, his commitment to his fellow players and his resilience. Many would have given up and chosen an easier path after the injury he has suffered but not this man. He chose to stand and fight.
Trent McKenzie
The super-boot could be the surprise-packet. His powerful left boot could become a serious weapon in a team that has its fair share of weapons. There is room in defence for him.
Dom Barry/Lindsay Thomas
There is room for one but not both.
Barry leads the way and should get first crack. He appears to have made a big impression so far. Lindsay is the great unknown. His best demands he is picked. His worst, well let’s just say his worst will not work for anyone.
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