Chris McDermott looks at every Port Adelaide player and how they performed over season 2016

CHRIS McDermott looks at every Port Adelaide player and how they performed over season 2016

CHRIS McDermott looks at every Port Adelaide player and how they performed over season 2016

1 Travis Boak — B

An admirable year as always from the skipper but one where he may have sacrificed his game a little too much for the benefit of his team. His possession numbers were slightly down but not surprisingly his tackling numbers were up above 100 again. Never looked to be travelling at 100 per cent fitness but a season he had to have to keep his team together. Must set himself for a big year personally in 2017.

3 Jake Neade — C-

Six goals in two weeks against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs were the highlight of his year but his form tailed off badly in the next month where he kicked just one more goal and found himself out of the team. His tackling numbers and defensive pressure is good but he must hit the scoreboard more regularly to survive. Will get one more crack at it but it needs to be as good one.

4 Paddy Ryder — dnp

Missed as much as any player on the Power’s list in 2016 after serving his suspension from the Essendon supplement saga but will return as a fresh 29-year-old and immediately be handed the No. 1 ruck duties. Is capable of a 500-hit out, 100-mark, 75-tackle, 20-goal season which would have him in line for All-Australian honours and the Power back in the finals race. Can his body hold up after a 12 month absence from the game?

5 Matthew Broadbent — C

An average year from a player who would demand better from himself. Total numbers were similar but interestingly used the ball more by hand than usual and therefore much less by foot. Tackle numbers up like many of his teammates but attacking numbers down and that’s what his team needed the most. Rebounding numbers also down 20 per cent and running bounces halved.

6 Angus Monfries — dnp

Like Ryder, missed the whole of the 2016 season and at his age it hurts. He is made of good stuff and fingers crossed there is plenty more footy and some success for him down the track. Aaron Young filled the void in his absence but they can work together in the same team. He was sorely missed.

7 Brad Ebert — C+

A year where his body took a battering and a bruising. He, more than any other player, was asked to do a range of different roles to stop the bleeding — the team’s not his! A year of sacrifice saw his disposal count plummet over 20 per cent on his previous seasons and his clanger count rise to No. 4 in the AFL but his value to the team has never been greater. Will have just turned 27 by the time 2017 season starts and has his best footy ahead of him. Needs to regenerate his body over the summer and prepare himself to return to his best.

8 Hamish Hartlett — C-

A strong and consistent 2015 where he played every game was followed by an up-and-down 2016 when he missed seven games and struggled to find his best. Only once did he gather more than 25 possessions — 26 against Carlton in round 8. Like several of his teammates, he has just turned 26 and is in the best years of his football life. They must not be wasted.

9 Robbie Gray — A

Another great season that would have been a mirror image of his previous two had injury not cost him three games. It may cost him another All-Australian jumper too but a third John Cahill Medal is a near certainty. At his best when around goals and a role as a forward/mid instead of a mid/forward must be explored to get this team back up the ladder. One of only two genuine success stories in 2016.

11 John Butcher — D

It’s time. Drafted in 2009. Debuted in 2011. Delisted in 2016. It’s been a rollercoaster journey for the man once dubbed “The Future”. Butcher kicked 11.1 in four games in his debut year and could never repeat it. Even his marking deteriorated over the journey. His kicking followed suit. There was no other alternative.

12 Jackson Trengove — B

Robbie Gray and Jasper Pittard were clearly the Power’s best two in 2016 but this man was not far behind. Trengove was thrust into ruck duties as injuries struck and he did not let any one down. His competitive nature and want for the contest was an inspiration to all and he played some of his best football through the tough winter months. His second best season behind 2011 when he won the John Cahill medal.

13 Cam O’Shea — C

Played 11 games straight from round 5 to round 16 before appearing to fall out of favour. Sound defensively but struggled to get into attack mode and only twice gathered more than 15 possessions. Struggling to replicate his career-best season of 2013 when he played all 24 games and had 437 possessions — compared with 13 games and 166 possessions this year. Crunch time is coming.

14 Paul Stewart — C

Notched his 100th game at AFL and had some of the best moments of his career before appearing to fall out of favour like some others. Strong shutdown game was very useful with the Power’s defence under pressure, commitment at the ball and body is second to none and his ball use is excellent at 75 per cent efficiency. Turns 30 next year but get the feeling he still has a role to play.

15 Karl Amun — C-

Still looks the smooth and classy midfielder the Power’s website says he is but needs to start racking up some better possession numbers. Only once in his 15 games in 2016 did he get more than 20 possessions. He can hit the scoreboard and kicked two goals or more on three occasions but must add some urgency to his work and increase his endurance if he is to succeed.

16 Ollie Wines — B-

After a rare, injury interrupted 2015, he was back to his resilient best, playing all 22 games but rarely did he find his best, elite, form. Possession numbers were good with five of his last six games at 30 disposals or more and only once during the year did his numbers drop below 20. Unfortunately his disposal efficiency was at a low 59 per cent, down from 66 per cent in 2014. Contested possession numbers at 302 clearly the Powers best and he’s ranked seventh in the AFL. Unfortunately he also ranked No. 2 in the AFL for clangers.

17 Tom Clurey — C+

With Carlile and Hombsch injured, Jonas suspended and Trengove reassigned, Clurey was handed the No. 1 defensive role for the last nine games of the season. Had low possession numbers but that’s an area of easy improvement for him. More suited to a back pocket or flank but has the versatility to play tall or smaller. A talent.

18 Jimmy Toumpas — D

Not the return home he would have dreamed of, playing just the eight games. Never imposed himself. Has the necessary tools but lacked the necessary attitude. Had 20 possessions or more in three of his games but two of them were against Essendon and Brisbane. Can run and carry across lines but rarely attempted it. A season to forget must be followed by a season to remember.

19 Matt White — D

It was a short and not sweet 2016 for this man struck down with injury in round 1 and never appeared again at AFL level. Injuries have plagued him his whole career. Could be one of the missing links and could be a match winner but must get his fragile body much more resilient to the demands of the modern game. If he fails, 2017 could be his last.

20 Chad Wingard — C

A season of highs and lows for the Power superstar and a year where he rarely, if ever, looked 100 per cent fit. Threatened to be released into the midfield but it never happened and while he fronted for 18 games, not all of them were as productive as he would have liked. His goal numbers were down from 53 to 38 and possessions down from 422 to 278. It was his worst year statistically since his debut season of 2012.

21 Jared Polec — C-

Not a good year for this man either but it must be remembered he missed much of 2015 with an injury to his navicular bone that could have ended his career. Never gathered more than 25 possessions in any game and managed more than one goal in any game just the once. His run and carry also dried up with his bounces declining from 54 in 2014 (seventh in the AFL) to just 10 this season.

22 Charlie Dixon — C+

Didn’t disappoint in 2016 after his move from Gold Coast, just didn’t dominate the way the Power would have hoped. But there is every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead for this man. Kicked 30 goals despite missing four of the last six games with injury and not hitting the scoreboard after round 15. Won more possession and took more marks than ever before in his six-year career. 50 goals per season is now his benchmark.

23 Matthew Lobbe — D

No questions were answered and doubt still remains about this man’s ability to get back to his best. Nothing less can or should be tolerated by him or the team. Made to earn his spot back in the team after lengthy lay-off through injury but did little apart from win a few hit outs and one 10-possession game was his best. Mobility around ground an issue and confidence appears shot. A change of scenery may be required for both parties.

24 Jarman Impey — C+

Some brilliant and some not-so-brilliant moments but a step forward and some signs of better things to come. Missed just the two games while the move from defence to attack was a winner. Electrifying pace and handy goal sense are his major assets. A real competitor who offers something unique in attack.

25 Logan Austin — C

Much to like about the brief look at this kid, with a resilience and determination that will be handy for many years to come. Made to earn his spot after a couple of seasons developing and plays with a maturity and confidence well beyond his 20 years. With Carlile retiring, he is the automatic replacement for the next 10 years. After just 11 games ranks equal second in the AFL for one per centers.

26 Riley Bonner — C

Earned his debut for the last game of the season and did not disappoint with 22 possessions at 68 per cent efficiency. Good size and shape for the game and never looked overawed at any stage in his first game. One to watch in 2017.

27 Alipate Carlile — D

Decided to hang them up after a frustrating and injury interrupted 2016 where he managed just the first two games of the year after missing the last nine in 2015. Will be sorely missed but has Logan Austin ready to step up in his place. His ability to hold his feet and use his body to unbalance his opponent were strengths that must be passed on.

28 Jay Schulz — D

Was not offered a contract renewal for 2017 and has been forced to seek a new home if his AFL career is to continue. Not sure it can. Looks like his body has called time and he didn’t appear to be able to hold his feet or stand in a contest as he once did. On his day none kicked straighter from a distance and few caught the ball under pressure as well as he did. Finished with 58 goals in seven years at Richmond, and 275 goals in seven years at Alberton.

29 Jasper Pittard — A

With Robbie Gray, one of the two success stories for the Power in 2016. Once considered the teacher’s pet — we now understand what Ken saw. Stood tall when under pressure the most and any doubts on the genuine ability of this man have been buried forever. Composure and courage now the backbone of his game. His resilience to keep attacking when the scoreboard said otherwise was a bonus for his team and he ranked fourth in the AFL for rebounds from the defensive 50.

32 Dougal Howard — C

A bit to like about this young man in his brief appearances at the highest level, managing six games before a season-ending and most likely 12-month knee injury. Played predominantly as a forward with some minutes in the ruck, he has good mobility and understanding of where the goals are. Possesses good aggression and at just 20 years of age has plenty of time to recommence his career.

33 Darcy Byrne-Jones — B

Brought a much-needed touch of head-down-backside-up attack on the ball and body to the Power’s defence after making his debut in round 3. Blessed with a handy turn of speed and a natural want for the ball and the contest, he looks a potential midfielder of the future. Has a well-rounded game, gets his own ball but can run and carry with it as well as any. A great start to a long career.

36 Jack Hombsch — C+

Played the first 10 games of the year before injury struck, ending his season and while he was missed his absence allowed Logan Austin to debut. That said, Hombsch’s experience and intercepting talents could not be replaced. Was clearly No. 1 in the AFL for one per centers until his injury struck. Will be just 24 when the 2017 season begins and is heading into the best years of his football life. Finding his best position will be the challenge. Needs to be more offensive and efficient to move out of the last line of defence.

37 Jesse Palmer — C

Did enough to justify his selection on the Power’s list and earn the right for further development and a contact extension. Plenty to like about the way he goes at the contest and his fearless approach to marking contests in his three games in 2016. Finding a regular home and guaranteeing him enough game time to continue developing will be the challenge as he competes for a spot against Young, Monfries and Co. Some thought he could become a midfielder in time but as a third tall and floating forward looks his best hope in 2017.

39 Justin Westhoff — C

One of only four players at Alberton to play every one of the 22 minor round games but did struggle to find his very best on a regular basis and his year was once again nowhere near his best of 2013 and 2014. Most of his KPIs — possessions, marks and goals — were down around 20 per cent but like many others his tackling numbers remained constant at a handy 71. Interestingly in four of his first 11 games this year he accumulated over 20 possessions but did not reach that level in his last 11 games. Goal accuracy continues to be an issue and a role similar to the one Nick Riewoldt plays at St Kilda beckons.

40 Aaron Young — B

Just pipped by a single goal (by Chad Wingard) for the Power’s leading goal kicker award after finishing with a very credible 37.25 while playing largely as a floating forward in clearly the best of his five years in the AFL. Missed just the first game of the season and kicked 25 goals in his first 10 games before grabbing the attention of opposition teams and tiring slightly. Still just 23 years of age and with plenty of improvement left in his game, a 50-goal season is not out of the question.

41 Brendon Ah Chee — C

Played 11 games in three blocks and while he looks to have a good game appears to lack confidence in it and doesn’t fully understand what his strengths are. Has an instinctive want to handball and appears to be an inside mid playing an outside game. At just 22 he has time on his side but needs to learn his game quickly. Contested numbers good and disposal efficiency not bad but needs to prove he can take the next step.

42 Tom Jonas — D

If any player was missed in 2016 this man, who managed just nine games due to a hefty suspension and then an injury in another forgettable year after a disappointing 2015 season. At his best in 2014 his strong marking and intimidating physical approach was the foundation of one of the best defences in the competition. Needs to curb, ever-so-slightly, his physical methods but also needs to return as an improved version of what we have seen in the first 82 games of his career. Too valuable to miss so much game time.

46 Sam Gray — C+

After a sensational finish to his 2015 season he found himself out of the team by round seven and then in and out again in round 13. Returned again in round 17 and never looked back, averaging 26 possessions for the final six games of the season. Tackling numbers through the roof and broke the 100-tackle mark like many of his teammates but at the age of 25 by the start of next season a significant improvement in his game, a greater impact on the scoreboard and a full season are a must.

48 Nathan Krakouer — C

A slow start to 2016, a good block of games in the middle of the season, a sound defensive style but a poor finish was the tale of his season. His previous attacking talents have disappeared and replaced by a very disciplined negating mentality. Perhaps he has gone too far. His use of the ball is outstanding (71.6 per cent efficiency) given he goes by foot the majority of the time. Biggest issue is his age and at 29 by May next year he must do everything right to stay part of this team. Needs his best preseason ever and a flying start to 2017.

34 Will Snelling — C

Like Bonner, made his debut in the final game of the season against GCS and did everything asked of him. Only small in stature but plays hard and has a frame that will serve him well as the years roll on. Just turned 19 so is at the start of a very long journey and must be patient as he tries to crack the Power’s midfield.

2 Kane Mitchell — D

Has served this club well and has done himself proud despite not cracking a long-term spot in the Power’s squad. Added just another four games this year to his previous 31 in his four years with the club. Just lacked the polish required to cement a midfield berth in the modern game and appeared for a negating role if he stayed on the list. At just 26 years of age and with great work ethic a role at another club would not surprise.