Graham Cornes lists his five Port Adelaide and Adelaide players to watch, and five players under pump in 2018

INAUGURAL Adelaide coach Graham Cornes highlights five players to watch — and five under the pump — from both South Australian AFL clubs this season.

Cam Ellis-Yolmen of the Crows evades Nat Fyfe of the Dockers during the JLT Community Series at Strathalbyn Oval. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

INAUGURAL Adelaide coach Graham Cornes highlights five players to watch and five under the pump from both South Australian AFL clubs in 2018.

CROWS PLAYERS TO WATCH

CAM ELLIS-YOLMEN: A player who has been beset by injury and is a constant victim of the AFL rookie system. Has returned from a knee injury with a determination to consolidate his position. A big-bodied midfielder that the Crows are lacking.

JORDAN GALLUCCI: In his second year, the explosive youngster has the opportunity to fill the void left by Charlie Cameron. Covers the ground well, has a great leap and good skills. Will definitely get an opportunity.

Darcy Fogarty of the Crows chases a loose ball in front of Nat Fyfe of the Dockers during the JLT Series. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

DARCY FOGARTY: Much excitement has accompanied the tall forward since he was still available for the Crows at pick 12 in last year’s draft. A player around which a team can be built, his big body, mobility and skills have already earned him a Round 1 debut.

BRYCE GIBBS: Should have been available to the Crows as a father/son recruit back in 2007 but after 231 games with Carlton he is at the peak of his powers Will be a great addition to the Crows.

ALEX KEATH: In just six games last season, the cricketer turned AFL footballer showed an undoubted potential. Jake Lever has left a huge hole in defence and Keath is one of the few players who can fill it.

POWER PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dom Barry of the Power celebrates a goal during the JLT Community Series. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

DOM BARRY: Has a second opportunity as an older, wiser recruit. Has impressed all at Alberton with his pace and endurance running. Could be important as an outside ball-carrier.

KANE FARRELL: Perhaps the most impressive so far of the young draftees. The move from country Victoria seemed to impact on him initially but he moves smoothly and exudes class. May not play in the early games but will impress when he gets his opportunity.

TODD MARSHALL: Ken Hinkley signalled his belief in the young New South Welshman from Deniliquin, by selecting him in last season’s crucial elimination final. His opinion of the youngster has only been enhanced by his pre-season work. Should be a vital addition to the Power forward structure

SAM GRAY: Has consolidated his position as a small forward/midfielder. Has endurance and more than a touch of magic about him. An excitement machine who just needs to eliminate the occasional disposal error.

STEVEN MOTLOP: A player with rare talent who will excite the Power faithful. Inconsistency is his only knock but he will win games off his own boot if his talent and temperament can be nurtured.

CROWS UNDER THE PUMP

FORWARD LINE: The whole Adelaide forward line. After the disaster of the grand final, Adelaide’s much vaunted forward line, the best in the competition, has to seriously reset their attitudes and their resolve.

EDDIE BETTS: The most exciting player Adelaide has seen since Tony Modra could not sustain his stellar form and managed only 10 goals from the last six games. He carries great expectation, both to entertain and to score but will have to shake off the extra attention and off-ball attention that his opponents now apply.

TAYLOR WALKER: A perennial inclusion in this category, the captain has carried much of the blame for the grand final capitulation and lives with constant criticism of his game style. Is always stoic and pragmatic about such attention but it must eventually take its toll. Has to find a way to relieve that pressure and silence his critics.

Daniel Talia of the Crows tackles Brad Ebert of the Power during the JLT Community Series. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

DANIEL TALIA: The tall defender has been a rock in the crows defence but with the departure of Lever, there will be more responsibility on him to intercept and rebound. He’s been a great stopper but the pressure will now come to generate more attack from defence.

RORY SLOANE: No one plays with more heart that the champion midfielder. However, he’s out of contract at the end of the year and becomes a free agent. Until he either re-signs or says he’s leaving the pressure will become almost unbearable.

WAYNE MILERA: Started to realise some of his undoubted potential in 16 games last season but still couldn’t consolidate a spot. There will be vacancies and opportunities and he has undoubted ability. If he can add intensity, pressure and desperation to his game he can be a great player.

PORT UNDER THE PUMP

Port Adelaide Power captain Travis Boak this week. Picture: Image/Morgan Sette

TRAVIS BOAK: Was used in a perplexing manner last season by coach Hinkley and didn’t always get the opportunity to display his true talent. Played well in the back end of the season, but will have to adapt if Hinkley continues to use him sparingly in the midfield.

TOM ROCKLIFF: Comes with all the pressure of a boom recruit. His talent is undeniable but in the end with injury and perhaps a lack of incentive, he languished at Brisbane. Will be expected to be at his best at a new club.

JASPER PITTARD: Remains the most enigmatic of the Port players. A true, long-kicking ball carrier, he fell out of favour until the end of last season. After 115 games he should now be one of the first picked. Can’t help feeling he has been harshly treated but that can only increase his resolve.

HAMISH HARTLETT: Elevation to the leadership group is indication of how he has matured. However, there is still much more to give before he fulfils his true potential. Given a good run with injury he is still one of the team’s most important players.

JACK WATTS: Has settled in well at Alberton where he has impressed everyone with his character and his attitude. However, he still carries the mantle of a number one draft pick who needs to prove to everyone (including himself) that he can live up to it. That’s pressure.

Originally published as Graham Cornes lists his five Port Adelaide and Adelaide players to watch, and five players under pump in 2018