Winds of change sweep through Port

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 22 Maret 2013 | 22.09

The Power boys warm up together before a training session. Source: News Limited

A NEW coach, a new president, a new captain and a new boy wonder.

The winds of change have swept through Port Adelaide in the off-season.

And, for the first time in several years, there is genuine hope of a Power revival.

While finals still seem a long shot for a club which hasn't played in the finals since 2007, Port  which starts its home-and-away campaign against Melbourne at the MCG next Sunday  appears to be on the way up.

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After an exciting summer topped by three pre-season victories  including upsets against powerhouses West Coast and Sydney  eight to 10 wins appears a realistic goal.


Key defender and leadership group member Jackson Trengove says he is in no doubt Port will make its mark on the competition in Ken Hinkley's first year as coach.

 "We've improved on what we put up last year," said Trengove, referring to the Power's five wins.

"We've flicked off on the job we had to do in the NAB Cup  we've prepared really well, we're in good form and fit.

"We're really looking forward to taking that into round one (against Melbourne at the MCG next Sunday) and going from there.

"Every team goes into a new season wanting to play finals and that's our aim, too."

The new-look Power, which has also benefited from the expertise of new fitness coach Darren Burgess, opened its doors to The Advertiser in the pre-season, allowing sports photographer Sarah Reed into its inner sanctum.

There is a genuine belief among players and officials that the club has turned the corner.

Hinkley  renowned for his straight-shooting style  has had a marked effect.

"There's no confusion with what he wants," Trengove says.

 "He's very black and white with what he expects from us. We've got a long way to go with what Kenny wants us to do but I think we're taking steps in the right direction with the way he wants us to play our footy.

"What happened previously wasn't working  it's why the sacking (of coach Matthew Primus) happened.

"Ken's changed things, we've had a big pre-season and now it's time to get some more respect back as a group and as Port Adelaide."

New president David Koch orchestrated the signing of new, high-profile major sponsor Renault, new skipper Travis Boak has been flying on the track and top draft pick Ollie Wines has enjoyed a standout pre-season and has been rated by the AFL captains as the No. 2 contender for the NAB Rising Star Award behind Gold Coast's Jaeger O'Meara.

"Ollie is going to be really good for us with the way he gets in and wins the footy," Trengove says.
 He also forecast big years from injury-hit Hamish Hartlett and Jasper Pittard and says the Power will benefit from a more defence-minded approach under Hinkley.

"The way the game has gone, you need your whole side being able to defend  not just the back six," he says.

"Your attack starts from how you defend so you need your whole side to be on the one page. If one cog's missing, it all falls down."


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