Michelangelo Rucci and Chris McDermott discuss the big issues in football ahead of AFL Round 22
THE Power’s last chance; dealing with the Crows’ mediocrity; is the end coming for Eddie; does the Power need to recruit a ruckman; and is Melbourne really a finals contender.
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1. Christopher, your crystal ball was clear on neither the Crows nor Power making the AFL finals. But is there one last chance for Port Adelaide?
BONE: Mathematically, yes. The reality is a big no. Port Adelaide has blown it. Butchered it, actually. And, as unfortunate as the injuries were on Saturday night, the Power has no-one to blame but itself. This is where good teams — backed by a good administration — learn and poor teams, surrounded poor administrations, implode. In the words of the great John Kennedy: “Don’t think, don’t hope — do!”. The Power must keep doing until that premiership comes.
ROOCH: Ken Hinkley has said, “never, ever give up”. He adds his players are up for the fight. And there is the prospect that inexperience could tell with Melbourne that has demanding games against West Coast (Perth Stadium) and Greater Western Sydney (MCG) to finish the home-and-away season. There is still life in Port Adelaide’s campaign. This must create hope that the season continues at least to the last home-and-away game against Essendon at Adelaide Oval. We are about to learn just how much the Power players want to play finals again.
2. How will the Crows deal with “mediocrity” again after drawing the line on Brenton Sanderson in 2014?
ROOCH: Don Pyke has a coaching contract to the end of 2021, although Brenton Sanderson also had two seasons on his deal when he was shown the door. Football boss Brett Burton has the difficult task of managing a review of the football program — and should put himself under the hot lights as well. But who would do this review Christopher? Clearly, there will be change of the assistant coaching panel for Pyke. But will there be change in the football department or scapegoats to carry the can for others while members, fans and external voices wait to see who pays the price for this return to mediocrity?
BONE: Surely the Crows will do it better than how they dealt with losing a grand final last year. Hoping Season 2019 will be better, simply because 2018 was so bad, will not fix any of their problems. A ruckman to support Sam Jacobs must be found. It is already 12 months too late. Adding some pace in attack to support Eddie Betts also is a must. Eddie can’t do it on his own. The Crows have been exposed for speed — or lack of it — this year. That’s where the search for the solution must start.
3. As you asked Christopher, are we seeing Eddie Betts nearing the end?
BONE: We’re seeing Eddie’s focus compromised by the challenges he has dealt with away from the game this season. It shows if you’re not in the right space to play the game, it is difficult to do it to the best of your ability on a regular basis. The same could be said for Patrick Dangerfield now that he’s a father. For Dustin Martin, now he’s a Brownlow Medallist. Eddie’s in good company, but at his age he needs to make an important decision soon. Can he balance it all?
ROOCH: Father Time favours — and spares — no man. Not even the football wise Eddie Betts who has again and again proven he can see the ways of a football game quicker and sharper than most others. But the legs do not move as fast as his mind. And they are not as powerful, particularly on kicks to goal, as once noted with those 50-metre goals at Adelaide Oval. It shall be interesting how Betts assesses his options at season’s end, regardless of that contract that has another two years to run.
4. Port Adelaide has a big decision to make in ruck. Can it believe in youth or does it need to chase down an experienced back-up for Patrick Ryder?
BONE: Why are we still having this argument? This is week 17 of the same debate. Yes, the Power needs another ruckman. Port Adelaide does have other talls, including Billy Frampton, but has refused to play them. There is no sympathy from me. They have had a chance all year to get some game time into Frampton, just in case, and it didn’t happen. The Power has blown it. Your second ruckman must not compromise the team and the Power use of Charlie Dixon or Justin Westhoff in this role did just that. End of story.
ROOCH: Former Port Adelaide Magpie Scott Lycett would be handy — and he is a free agent with three options: West Coast, St Kilda or a return to Alberton. Indeed, Lycett is the ideal option to allow Port Adelaide extend Patrick Ryder’s career, particularly if he sees the advantage of conceding ruck minutes to play as a forward. And he buys the Power some time while the tyros on the list, in particular Sam Hayes, develop their ruck credentials.
5. Melbourne still has not beaten a top-nine rival. Do the Demons deserve to play AFL finals?
BONE: No. Time for the Melbourne fans to catch the last bit of the snow season. Should be some good deals going for September bookings.
ROOCH: To quote long-suffering Melbourne supporter Titus O’Reily: “Footy is cruel.” He was actually talking about Sydney defender Alex Johnson suffering another knee injury at the time, but as the Demons kept missing shot after shot at goal to put their finals chances at risk the theme quickly became attached to the Melbourne Football Club. You do get what you deserve — except when it comes to Alex Johnson.
Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.