Power's new look shows promise

Adelaide, Port Adelaide and St Kilda fight for bragging rights in their NAB Cup triple-header at AAMI Stadium.

Campbell Heath of the Power looks to pass the ball during the round one AFL NAB Cup match against St Kilda. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

St Kilda intend to use the NAB Cup to focus on the development of young players.

That was the upshot of Port Adelaide splitting its opening NAB Cup clashes against St Kilda and Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last night.

The long-suffering Power - starting a new era under coach Ken Hinkley - belted the Saints by 50 points in an encouraging display of fast, skilful football.

But - fielding a depleted side in its second clash against the Crows - Port struggled to get out of first gear against its arch rival and slumped to a 16-point defeat, virtually ruling it out of NAB Cup grand final contention.

With key midfielders Travis Boak, Brad Ebert and Chad Wingard and No. 1 ruckman Jarrad Redden sitting out the second game as the 38-degree heat took its toll, the Power came out flat and lost its midfield spark.

But there were plenty of promising signs for Hinkley and a club which hasn't made the AFL finals in five years.

Its first-up performance could not have been more impressive.

Its midfield - stocked with high draft picks Boak, Hamish Hartlett, Ebert and Wingard - was imposing, its new-look defence was sound and its forward line, led by Jay Schulz, was multi-dimensional and dangerous.

Just as significantly, its new boys made good impressions.

First-round draft pick Ollie Wines already gives Port a tougher look.

Few teenagers are built as strongly as the bullocking onballer, who kicked a goal and had eight disposals against the Saints.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries looked dangerous up forward as well as adding to Port's midfield numbers. He saved his best for the second game when he had a game-high 11 possessions and kicked a goal.

Former Swan Campbell Heath was rock solid in the back half and Kane Mitchell and Lewis Stevenson had their moments in both games.

But the surprise packet was 170cm, 67kg lightweight Jake Neade.

The pocket rocket acquired in a trade from the Giants was spectacular inside-50 in the first game against St Kilda.

Once considered a longshot to make his AFL debut this season because of his small stature, Neade kick-started the Power's night by goaling in the opening minute of the Saints clash.

He then terrorised the St Kilda defence with his dazzling combination of pace, athleticism and footy-smarts. He is a natural crumber who gives the Port forward line a different look.

Neade was rested from the clash with the Crows.

In other good signs, fourth-year defender Jasper Pittard showed he was on track for his best AFL season with strong performances down back and Matthew Broadbent continued his elevation into being an elite midfielder.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Power's new look shows promise

Dengan url

http://sudahterlupakan.blogspot.com/2013/02/powers-new-look-shows-promise.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Power's new look shows promise

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Power's new look shows promise

sebagai sumbernya