Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley declares Power will win multiple flags in his time
Ten years ago, Brendon Gale predicted that the Richmond Tigers would have three flags by 2020. Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has followed suit with his Power side, declaring the beaten preliminary finalists will win multiple flags in his time.
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Ken Hinkley believes his Port Adelaide side will win a premiership, and “more than once it is going to win (one)” after falling short at the preliminary final stage this year.
At the 2019 club best and fairest Hinkley declared that if people couldn’t see the positives in his Power side then they weren’t looking, while ahead of the 2020 season he said Port were “coming” for the rest of the competition.
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On stage at Thursday night’s 2020 club best and fairest, in which Darcy Byrne-Jones claimed the John Cahill Medal in a surprise result, Hinkley said he had no doubt the group of players he had would break through and win a premiership.
“We want to be great and our journey has just started and this team is going to go a long, long way and win,” he said.
“More than once, more than once it is going to win.”
After sitting on top of the ladder for the whole season the Power fell to eventual premiers Richmond at the preliminary final stage by just a goal.
Hinkley said he had never hurt as much after a game of footy, and said it would drive him and the Port Adelaide players.
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“It still hurts and I know it hurts everyone because we gave our all this year,” he said.
“It will drive this group and it will have to because we want to get better in 21 because we did climb a mountain and we slipped on the last step.
“But you’ve got to risk that slip otherwise you’re never going to get to where Port Adelaide is always going and that is to win the premiership.
“And I’m sure this group can take us to a premiership, we will climb again and we will climb very hard.”
Hinkley said Essendon livewire Orazio Fantasia would be “coming on board, hopefully when some things are done” while he paid tribute to retiring duo Brad Ebert and Justin Westhoff.
“If we can build a football club based on those two boys we will be a very successful footy club,” Hinkley said.
‘PRETTY STIFF’: ROCKLIFF REVISITS DUBIOUS DELIBERATE CALL
Port Adelaide’s Tom Rockliff spent the weekend replaying Friday’s preliminary final loss to Richmond – including that controversial free kick – in his head and says the midfield must own the final quarter fade out and get better.
The 30-year-old, who polled 11 votes in Sunday’s Brownlow Medal, has also recounted the role he played in the controversial deliberate out of bounds free kick paid against Hamish Hartlett, which cost them a goal late in the game.
Power players gathered at the club for a barbecue and a few beers on Saturday, but Rockliff said post-season celebrations were subdued after they missed this week’s grand final by six points to the team that will start favourites.
“Hugely disappointed still, shattered, when you get so close to go down by six points was pretty frustrating,” he told The Advertiser’s Lowdown Podcast.
“We felt like we were good enough to be there this weekend.
“Richmond have been a class outfit for three or four years as everyone knows, we felt like we had the game on our terms particularly early on in the contest and we felt like we settled well.
“We just couldn’t get those goals that we needed to put some scoreboard pressure on and as quality teams do they stayed in the fight, it was one of those games where it was never away from either team.
“We had our chances and the better team won on the night, they got on top particularly in the second half around clearances and through the midfield and that’s where the damage was done.
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“Centre bounce stuff, they walked it out which was really disappointing, as a ruckman and midfield group we have to take ownership of that, we know the way we’ve played this year is winning it out of there and giving our forwards an opportunity or keeping it in there and we weren’t able to do that.
“We found a way to hang in there but we weren’t able to hit a target and Richmond are outstanding at getting back and outnumbering you, so it’s still a bitter pill to swallow, no doubt about that.”
Rockliff was on the boundary in the final quarter when Hartlett tapped the ball in his direction, but over the line in Richmond’s forward pocket – resulting in a deliberate free being paid against him – and Kane Lambert kicked a set-shot goal to put the Tigers 12 points up with nine minutes to play.
“I felt like I was close enough for it not to be paid, I know it was paid a fair bit on the night and all you want is consistently and we probably got that,” Rockliff said.
“Had I thrown my arm out I probably could have touched the ball so he was pretty stiff, for it to cost you a goal it hurt a bit more.
“I wouldn’t say that comes down to the reason we lost, when you go down by six points you go back over the game 15 times in your head and go ‘what if I did this differently, or picked the ball up here?’.
“I didn’t put my arm out because I didn’t want the ball, because I knew there was heaps of pressure.
“So, I thought I was close enough in the vicinity, which made it look like he was trying to hit it to me and I could shoulder/arm (it), let it go through to the keeper out of bounds and we reset from a stoppage, but it didn’t play out that way.”
Rockliff said coach Ken Hinkley and retiring great Brad Ebert both spoke to the group in the rooms post-match on Friday night.
“We went into the meeting room and no doubt there were a few tears shed, and Kenny spoke to the playing group about how far we’d come and how proud he was of us,” he said.
“Make sure we feel the hurt, go again, climb that mountain and do it all again next year.
“And he spoke about Ebo and Westy, what they meant to the footy club and if you could emulate anyone’s career, giving the young guys some advice and making sure you look at them and follow in their footsteps.”
EVERY POWER PLAYER RATED: CAN THIS GROUP TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
The conveyor belt of young talent at Port Adelaide is expected to continue to produce strong results in 2021 as Ken Hinkley’s side looks to build on its preliminary final appearance.
The decision by the Power to stockpile elite young talent has paid off in spades for Port, who finished as the minor premiers in 2020 before going down to reigning premiers Richmond by a goal in the prelim.
The fine year by Hinkley’s side was without the Power’s top draft pick from last year, Miles Bergman, the highly-rated Dylan Williams and exciting father-son Jackson Mead – who are all expected to break into the starting 22 next year.
The Power are also bullish on young key defender Jake Pasini, while Willem Drew got a new deal despite injuries cruelling his 2020.
Before the season had finished for the Power, many of the big list decisions had already been made.
Justin Westhoff, Brad Ebert and Jack Watts have all retired while Riley Grundy, Joe Atley, Tobin Cox and Wylie Buzza were delisted before finals.
Port could make three further cuts with Jake Patmore, Martin Fredericks and Cameron Sutcliffe’s futures decided by list sizes for next year.
Talks between the Power and Fredericks’ have been positive, fuelling hope he could stay at Alberton while Sutcliffe future is still unknown.
Patmore has been unlucky with injuries since he came to the Power.
The Power’s other uncontracted players, Boyd Woodcock and Jarrod Lienert are expected to receive new deals.
Outside of adding highly rated NGA draftee Lachlan Jones, the Power are expected to take a back seat in the trade period after stockpiling young talent in recent years.
But the Power will be on the lookout for a young tall key defender they can develop.
1. Tom Jonas
Age: 29 Games: 158 Status: Signed to 2022
His first season as stand-alone captain was a good one, earning selection in the extended 40-man All Australian squad. His calm, level head, his ability to direct traffic on field and his resilience off-field made him integral to Port finishing minor premiers. Will surely be a Power man for life.
2. Sam Powell-Pepper
Age: 22 Games: 76 Status: Signed to 2023
Found a new niche in the team as a hard tackling forward but also provided plenty of grunt in the midfield. Signed a new three-year deal in September.
“The club has always supported me since I walked in the door in 2016 and I could not be happier to stay for at least another three years,” he said after re-signing.
3. Ryan Burton
Age: 23 Games: 71 Status: Signed to 2022
Was shocked to be put up as trade bait by Hawthorn for Chad Wingard in 2018 but the defender has had the last laugh as the Hawks stare down the barrel of a big rebuild. But question marks over his body are emerging following a couple of soft-tissue injuries already since coming back to SA.
4. Todd Marshall
Age: 22 Games: 34 Status: Signed to 2022
His fourth season at Port saw him kick 11 goals from 13 games and cement his place alongside fellow tall Charlie Dixon in the forward line. Missed five games after he broke his thumb in Round 8, requiring surgery and overcame a shoulder strain to play in the prelim.
5. Dan Houston
Age: 23 Games: 77 Status: Signed to 2022
Made a move from defence into a more midfield role and was solid, equalling his season highest 23 touches in the team’s preliminary final loss to Richmond. The only blight on his 2020 record was a two-game suspension after he breached the AFL strict COVID-19 protocols when he attended a house party at teammate Peter Ladhams’ house during the season. No doubt he’ll learn and mature after that indiscretion.
6. Steven Motlop
Age: 29 Games: 184 (135 with Geelong) Status: Signed to 2022
Again proves to be an enigma for Port Adelaide but signed for two more years. Starred in the Showdown and qualifying final but was quiet on other occasions.
8. Hamish Hartlett
Age: 30 Games: 183 Status: Signed to 2021
After issues with his body in the previous two seasons, Hartlett played every game in 2020. Would be confident of playing past his existing deal, which expires at the end of next year.
9. Robbie Gray
Age: 32 Games: 237 Status: Signed to 2021
Gray played every game and averaged 17 disposals across the season, he proved his matchwinning best at many times throughout the year, if none more so than when he secured a thrilling three-point win over Carlton, with an after-the-siren goal. Also kicked a bag of three in Round 11 against Richmond. Is a level-head on-field and fan favourite off-field who is approaching his 15th season with Port in good shape.
10. Travis Boak
Age: 32 Games: 283 Status: Signed to 2022
Boak continued his resurgence in 2020, playing every game this season, becoming this year’s Brownlow Medal runner-up with 21 votes, behind winner Lachie Neale. Was also named vice-captain of the All Australian team. He’d be widely tipped to claim back-to-back club championships, too, making him an integral part of the Power’s midfield plans for next season. And all going well, he’ll break Kane Cornes’ 300-game club record to become the Power’s all-time leading game player.
11. Tom Rockliff
Age: 30 Games: 206 (154 with Brisbane) Status: Signed to 2021
The former Lions skipper celebrated his 200th AFL game this season and was an integral part of the midfield for the minor premiers. He played 16 games in 2020, earning 10 Brownlow votes, including a maximum three in Round 18’s clash against Collingwood. Contracted for only one more season, it will be interesting to see what happens in 2021.
12. Trent McKenzie
Age: 28 Games: 125 Status: Signed to 2022
One of the feel good stories of Port Adelaide’s season. McKenzie has salvaged his career as a key defender for the Power and got a new two-year deal before the season was out.
“It’s been a few tough years, my time here, so it’s good to be able to extend with such an exciting group,” he said after re-signing.
14. Miles Bergman
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
Port’s top pick of the 2019 Draft did not taste AFL action for the Power this year. Expect this to change in 2021.
15. Karl Amon
Age: 25 Games: 78 Status: Signed to 2022
Asked for a trade to a Melbourne-based club in 2018 but after a career-best season in 2019 signed a new deal at the Power. Is crucial with his speed and penetrative left foot on the wing for Port.
16. Ollie Wines
Age: 26 Games: 158 Status: Signed to 2022
Had a horror start to the season with shoulder surgery ruling him out of Round 1 and a COVID-breach suspension ruling him out of Round 2. From there, he fired and by the preliminary final was consistently in Port’s best. He polled equal-second best at the Brownlow with 10 votes. But rumours continue to persist about the vice-captain’s future and this year they were that Carlton was interested. He’s contracted for two season still and maintains he’s happy at Port.
17. Tom Clurey
Age: 26 Games: 99 Status: Signed to 2023
A mainstay in Port Adelaide’s defence, Clurey has had moments where the opposition forward has a day out but generally the tall defender usually wins or at least breaks even in his one-on-one contests.
18. Zak Butters
Age: 20 Games: 36 Status: Signed to 2022
Despite being sidelined for two games at the back end of the season through suspension, the youngster continued to develop his game, earning himself his first career Brownlow votes – two, for his stellar performance against the Western Bulldogs in Round 10. In that game he had 24 disposals, six marks, four inside-50s and three clearances. The Victorian is a future star of the club and earned his place in the 40-man All-Australian squad.
19. Mitch Georgiades
Age: 19 Games: 7 Status: Signed to 2021
Young and full of high-leaping thrilling marks, this kid from Perth will be a must-keep at Alberton. Made his AFL debut in Round 1 after being selected with pick 18 at the 2019 draft. He played seven games for the year, earning a Rising Star nomination for his performance against Melbourne in Round 9. In that game he booted three goals and had 11 touches. Also earnt himself a Brownlow vote for good measure.
20. Connor Rozee
Age: 20 Games: 38 Status: Signed to 2022
Another of the young-brigade at Port who will feature heavily in the club’s future plans. Rozee had a relatively quiet season, sidelined with a persistent sore heel for three games, but his effort in the prelim against Richmond – kicking two goals and have 14 touches – saw him back to his best.
21. Xavier Duursma
Age: 20 Games: 35 Status: Signed to 2022
Another year, another Duursma masterclass in tough football. He spent 2020 throwing himself at the contest, kicked six goals for the year and thrilled fans with his signature “bow and arrow” celebration. Missed three games with a hamstring injury and was dropped for Round 13, but fought back and was among his side’s best in their six-point preliminary final loss to Richmond.
22. Charlie Dixon
Age: 30, Games: 153 Status: Signed to 2023
After a gruelling off-season in which he went to America and came back as fit, lean, strong and agile since coming to Port Adelaide Dixon has had a career best year for the Power.
This resulted in rivals trying to lure him away from the Power, but he signed a new three-year extension in a big boost for Port.
“I sort of did think about some other options but at the end of the day it just didn’t feel right for me and the right fit was Port Adelaide,” he said after re-signing.
24. Kane Farrell
Age: 21 Games: 23 Status: Signed to 2022
Played nine in a row early on this year and impressed, especially with his long range kicking. Lost his spot towards the end of the year but is another of Port’s exciting young brigade.
25. Sam Hayes
Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
The young ruckman has had a luckless few years, first doing his ACL, then getting ill and finally when he does get back to playing there was no SANFL matches to play in. But Port rate him extremely highly.
26. Riley Bonner
Age: 23 Games: 51 Status: Signed to 2021
The young defender was in-and-out of the side all season, often as injury replacement, playing nine games in total, but taking no part in the club’s finals campaign. Played solidly against Essendon in Round 17, recording 19 touches, two tackles and five rebound 50s.
27. Joel Garner
Age: 21 Games: 4 Status: Signed to 2021
Didn’t play a game this season but did impress in scratch matches for non-selected players. Out of contract at the end of next year, it looms a vital season for the defender.
28. Willem Drew
Age: 22 Games: 10 Status: Signed to 2022
Played no part in the 2020 campaign after being ruled out through multiple injuries including foot surgery. Never mind: last month, he signed a two-year contract extension and thanked the club for the show of faith they had placed in the on-baller.
29. Scott Lycett
Age: 28 Games: 108 Status: Signed to 2023
Signed a lucrative five-year deal when he returned to SA fresh off winning a flag at West Coast. Was dropped last season but this year has been in fine form.
31. Trent Burgoyne
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
A father-son rookie selection Burgoyne is one of those players who could have done with second-tier matches being available.
32. Sam Mayes
Age: 26 Games: 107 (101 with Brisbane) Status: Signed to 2021
Hadn’t played any senior footy for more than 750 days, but the former No. 8 draft pick finally returned to AFL level in Round 7, having returned to SA at the end of 2018 following six seasons with the Lions. The wingman spent all 2019 in Magpies colours and went on to play six senior games in the middle of the season, but couldn’t break his way back into the side after Round 13.
33. Darcy Byrne-Jones
Age: 25 Games: 105 Status: Signed to 2023
In his fifth season at the Power, he celebrated his 100th AFL game and earned himself All-Australian honours. Too good to let go, the defender would well and truly be a lock in Port’s future plans, having played every game this season.
34. Dylan Williams
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
Didn’t play an AFL game in 2020 but Port Adelaide are excited about what the 23rd pick of last year’s draft can do. Likened to Jordan De Goey in the way he plays, expect Williams to find his way into Port’s team in 2021.
36. Boyd Woodcock
Age: 20 Games: 5 Status: Out of contract
Made a spectacular debut in Power colours against the Western Bulldogs, seeming to kick a goal in his first game, before a score review stripped him of the honour. A flashy small forward, he kicked three goals from his five games and impressed coach Hinkley by the amount of off-field work he put in this season. Impressed coaches usually lead to contract extensions.
37. Jake Patmore
Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Out of contract
Yet to make his AFL debut, midfielder Patmore has been unlucky. After playing every game for the Magpies in 2018, he ruptured his ACL in 2019, ruling him out for the season, and then the COVID sporting shutdown didn’t allow him a return through the SANFL. He again played no part in the Power’s senior list this year and his future at the club will depend on what list sizes will look like going forward.
38. Peter Ladhams
Age: 22 Games: 15 Status: Signed to 2022
Was absolutely torn to shreds by Ken Hinkley and Chris Davies after he was banned for three matches for breaking the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols. But he will not be on the trade table.
40. Jarrod Lienert
Age: 26 Games: 18 Status: Out of contract
Played five games this year, playing Round 1, but then unable to get back into the side until Round 9 and was in and out from there. But he did nothing wrong and played his role well whenever his magnet was slotted back in. His management is confident of a new one-year deal.
44. Jackson Mead
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2022
Last year’s father-son pick, the exciting young mid-forward is yet to make his AFL debut, but will be looking to the future with excitement as his imminent debut gets ever closer. As the son of Darren Mead, his debut is something Power fans are desperate to see.
45. Martin Frederick
Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Out of contract
The Category B rookie was informed by Port Adelaide that he wouldn’t be required for finals, and his future at the club would depend on what list sizes will be and what rookie concessions are available. He could stay on at the Power even if there are no more Category B rookies.
“He’s waiting to hear on list sizes like a lot of others but we have had good conversations with the club about him staying on,” manager Peter Rohde said.
48. Jake Pasini
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2022
The key defender, who was picked up in the rookie draft in 2019, is known for his marking ability and skills with foot. Yet to debut, he signed a two-year contract extension in September.
50. Cam Sutcliffe
Age: 28 Games: 113 Status: Delisted
Was given a lifeline by the Power in last year’s Mid-Season Draft, finding a niche as a tagger for Hinkley’s side. But the former Docker was delisted on Tuesday.
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Originally published as Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley declares Power will win multiple flags in his time