Port Adelaide 2022 preview: Season predictions for the Power
Many footy clubs would be happy with two straight preliminary finals appearances, but there is unrest among the Port Adelaide faithful and the man in the firing line is Ken Hinkley.
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Another preliminary final appearance by the Power, but the way the Western Bulldogs destroyed them for a place in the grand final will be what sticks with many when they think of Port Adelaide’s 2021 campaign.
It came after the Power had to face criticism throughout the season that they couldn’t defeat a top four team, only doing so in the final game of the home and away campaign.
Despite this there were positives for the Power, they overcame a significant injury list to again secure a top two finish while Ollie Wines became the club’s first ever Brownlow Medal winner.
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Coach: Ken Hinkley
Captain: Tom Jonas
Where do they finish in 2022
After finishing first and second the last two years the Power should again contend for a top four spot given some of the young talent they have.
But some key players for the Power such as Travis Boak, Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon are a year older and their window is just closing that little bit more.
Biggest improver
Zak Butters made the All-Australian squad in 2020 but injuries hurt his 2021 campaign, just when it looked like he would move into the midfield.
With the Power looking within to fix its need of midfield depth, Butters is one of the youngsters primed to get more time in the Port engine room.
This could elevate him to elite status in the competition, which we have seen in bursts so far.
X-factor
There’s some talented players at the Power but Charlie Dixon is still Port Adelaide’s most important player.
While he didn’t reach the same heights on the scoreboard than he did in 2020, in which he made the All-Australian team, Dixon still had a very good 2021.
He’s a contested marking beast, who can get the ball to ground level if he doesn’t clunk it, the Power need to provide him the support he needs in the forward line.
Coach status
Despite two preliminary final appearances in the last two years Hinkley comes into this year under pressure from an increasingly restless fan base.
He is contracted until 2023 but if the Power continue to fall short the pressure will mount up.
Who is in last year of contract
Karl Amon, Travis Boak, Ryan Burton, Zak Butters, Willem Drew, Martin Frederick, Robbie Gray, Dan Houston, Lachie Jones, Ollie Lord, Trent McKenzie, Jackson Mead, Jake Pasini, Connor Rozee, Taj Schofield
Ins for 2022
Jeremy Finlayson (GWS), Sam Skinner (South Adelaide), Josh Sinn (pick 12), Hugh Jackson (pick 55), Dante Visentini (pick 56), Jase Burgoyne (pick 60), Trent Dumont (rookie)
Outs from 2021
Peter Ladhams (Sydney), Tom Rockliff (retired), Hamish Hartlett, Joel Garner, Jarrod Lienert, Trent Burgoyne, Boyd Woodcock (delisted)
First six games and how many they win
Rd 1: Brisbane @ The Gabba (L)
Rd 2: Hawthorn @ Adelaide Oval (W)
Rd 3: Adelaide @ Adelaide Oval (W)
Rd 4: Melbourne @ Adelaide Oval (L)
Rd 5: Carlton v Port Adelaide MCG (W)
Rd 6: West Coast Eagles @ Adelaide Oval (W)
Prediction: 4 wins, 2 loss
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Originally published as Port Adelaide 2022 preview: Season predictions for the Power
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