Port Adelaide’s high-profile recruits are falling short of grand expectations

AFTER five AFL games - a fair sample - how are the big names Port Adelaide claimed in the October market living up to expectation?

Four of Port Adelaide’s signings from the busy October market Dom Barry, Steven Motlop, Tom Rockliff and Jack Watts. Picture: Sarah Reed

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EVENTUALLY, someone has to ask - and answer - the question of Port Adelaide’s “return on investment” from the AFL trade period.

Five games, almost a quarter of the home-and-away season, seems a fair sample.

So roll on the audit of the players who were to become major gains from the Power’s busy October when the critical need - as expressed by Port Adelaide - was to deliver greater efficiency and greater productivity in attack. For the record, the Power has scored 435 points in five games - an average of 87 points compared with last season’s mark of 98.

TOM ROCKLIFF. Played four games. The former Brisbane captain was denied the chance to make a grand first impression by a knee strain that wiped out his pre-season.

Now the sharp-minded midfielder is on the injury list with a calf issue that could explain why he has not appeared quick in working his way into damaging positions. Disposal count is half (12 compared with 24) from his last season as a Lion. WAIT.

Jack Watts, right, and Charlie Dixon celebrate a goal against Brisbane. Picture: AAP

JACK WATTS. Played five games. Hope rose with his six goals in the pre-season closer against the Crows. The former Demon has seven goals - and has had some Watts-like misses.

A fall in quality supply by the absence of ruckman Patrick Ryder - while playing in an extremely tough role at half-forward - has made Watts’ role tougher. But he needs to rise to the challenge - or perhaps be handed a new one. NEEDS TO DELIVER MORE.

STEVEN MOTLOP. Played five games. Kicked five goals - and none in the past two games.

The former Geelong midfielder-forward always is labelled as an enigmatic talent - much talent, less consistency.

Motlop’s line-breaking speed seemed a major weapon for the Power. Averaging 16 disposals - career average is 18. NEEDS TO SHOW MORE.

DOM BARRY. Played three games. It is a great storyline of a midfielder in his second journey in football. There is something more than just a fairytale to watch here. WAIT.

TRENT McKENZIE. Played one game. The Gold Coast recruit was a strategic pick against Essendon a fortnight ago to unravel the Bombers’ defence. But when it is the Port Adelaide defence that is under siege ... HARD TO JUDGE.

LINDSAY THOMAS. Played one game. And the biggest impression was not left on the scoreboard, but with a reckless bump of Geelong midfielder Scott Selwood on Saturday night. AFL match review officer Michael Christian has ensured the former Kangaroo will not be up for AFL selection for some time. COSTLY.

At 3-2, the new-look Port Adelaide - that was to score more and be more efficient inside-50 - is exactly where it was last season after five games. The Power has done it tougher in the past month without All-Australian ruckman Patrick Ryder (left Achilles tendinitis), a loss that has rippled through the team and individual form lines.

Ryder’s absence certainly has made it more difficult for coach Ken Hinkley to work tactical advantages in attack with Watts and key forward (and makeshift ruckman) Charlie Dixon who has scored three goals in five games.

Rockliff remains on a slow burn. But in the next month, Power fans will want to see more from Watts and Motlop.

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