Squad Breakdown: Port Adelaide SC roster analysis

• SQUAD BREAKDOWN: Melbourne Demons SC roster analysis
• FIXTURE ANALYSIS: Assessing every club’s schedule

The Power finished last season second behind eventual Premiers Melbourne, but were sent packing on home soil in the preliminary final by the Dogs. 

They’d be embarrassed by what they dished up too, especially in that first quarter, and they’ll use that as motivation to fuel the fire this time around. 

They have fallen at the second last hurdle in two consecutive years and will need significant improvement and contributions from the likes of Butters, Rozee and Duursma to lift the cup. 

I’m not convinced they have the fire power to claim the big prize, but I do think they’ll be around the mark and finish top 4 again as their list depth is strong.

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Roster changes

The Power have added Jeremy Finlayson from the Giants to their forward line in the off-season, and he’ll also provide important ruck cover to Scott Lycett who loves missing a few games through suspension. 

The only other addition is Trent Dumont from the Kangaroos, but my guess is that he’s more midfield cover in case injuries hit.

The notable outs are Peter Ladhams who makes his way to the Swans, and they have lost previous fantasy pig Tom Rockliff to retirement.

B: Tom Jonas, Trent McKenzie, Darcy Byrne-Jones
HB: Ryan Burton, Aliir Aliir, Dan Houston  
C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Karl Amon  
HF: Connor Rozee, Jeremy Finlayson, Robbie Gray  
F: Mitch Georgiades, Charlie Dixon, Orazio Fantasia 
Foll: Scott Lycett, Travis Boak, Zak Butters  
I/C: Sam Hayes, Miles Bergman, Willem Drew, Sam Powell-Pepper

Emerg: Todd Marshall, Steven Motlop, Riley Bonner, Lachie Jones

Injury concerns: Charlie Dixon, Orazio Fantasia, Miles Bergman, Hugh Jackson, Kane Farrell

Draftees: Joshua Sinn (Pick 12), Hugh Jackson (Pick 55), Dante Visentini (Pick 56), Jase Burgoyne (Pick 60)

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GUNS

Ollie Wines // $612,600 // Midfielder

I almost put the Brownlow Medal winner in the avoid section, but going through Port’s list there’s a surprising lack of Supercoach relevant options, at least to my eye, and especially to start the year with. 

This guy is definitely on the upgrade target list though. He had an average of 112.5 for last season, but he had a poor start with only three tonnes in the first eight rounds. 

From round 9, and including finals, he averaged 121.5 and only missed the tonne once. I’ll pass to start, but expect him to be a relevant supercoach option come bye rounds.

Zac Butters // $443,600 // Forward

Coming into his fourth season of AFL footy he is ready to explode. 

We saw glimpses of it last year with a massive 163 in round 2 and he was on track for that again in round 4, maybe more, before the syndesmosis injury pretty much ruined his season. 

It looks like more midfield time is on the cards, and with a lack of premium forward options he must be considered to start with at a very friendly price. You just need to trust that he is over his injury troubles.

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CHEAPIES/BARGAIN-BIN BUYS

Lachie Jones // $269,400 // Defender

More for those who like to roll the dice and play mid-price madness, he could be value playing off half back with his mullet and moustache flapping in the wind as he speeds by. 

News from the camp is that he had a very good pre-season impressing the club. A fun pick.

Josh Sinn // $157,800 // Defender or Jackson Mead // $123,900 // Midfielder

I think one of these guys may get a chance early, but probably not both, so keep an eye on the pre-season matches and team sheet for round 1. 

They may be in and out, as mentioned earlier the list is strong, but if they get a chance there’s nothing stopping them keeping the role in the team if they impress the coach.

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Avoids

Travis Boak // $578,500 // Midfielder

I’m not saying he won’t play well, he always does, but I think it may be time for him to step back and give some of the youngers more of a chance in the middle. 

I expect his points to dry up as he plays more forward. I doubt he’ll reach the 35% threshold to gain DPP, but if he does, it brings him right into play.

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Dan Houston // $467,900 // Defender

A flirt who will probably suck in some coaches. He can score big but it’s few and far between. 

There are way too many other premium options ahead of him to pick from. 

Maybe a nice later round pick in draft perhaps, but he won’t come near my team in classic.