In his first of 3 parts, Bearfly takes us into the seedy underbelly of Alberton.
Well, technically not a seedy underbelly, but boy, its tough to get much news from this place, and this article is a gold mine!
So without further ado, the Defenders
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Having gathered from several comments here on TS that there is very little info about Port outside of SA, I thought it would be good to keep the TS community informed of developments from Alberton.The information provided here comes from a variety of sources, including coaches & several observers who attend all training sessions & mingle with players and staff. The first positive news during the off-season at Alberton concerned changes in Primus’s coaching staff. Out went Dean Laidley who was only part-time in 2011 and based in Melbourne. Also, Jason Cripps moved from an assistant coach role to being list manager based in Melbourne so the club can prepare for the new era of free agency.In to the fold comes Brad Gotch (assistant coach - defence), Josh Carr (assistant coach - midfield), Shaun Rehn (assistant coach - midfield). On top of these 3 appointments, Tyson Edwards joined the clubs development coaching group, and the club has for the first time been able to appoint a full-time assistant head fitness coach and full-time physiotherapist.Retained from last season are Gary Hocking (assistant coach - forwards), Daniel Healy & Matthew Nicks (development coaches). During trade week, Port was able to secure Brad Ebert from West Coast and Brent Renouf from Hawthorn, then added Chad Wingard, Brendon Ah Chee & Nathan Blee from through the National Draft and John McCarthy through the pre-season draft.Moving on from the club were the following players - Daniel Bass (rookie, delisted); Dean Brogan (retired/GWS playing assistant coach); Chad Cornes (retired/GWS playing assistant coach); Jason Davenport (delisted); Callum Hay (rookie, delisted); Danny Meyer (retired); Daniel Motlop (delisted); Marlon Motlop (delisted); Michael Pettigrew (delisted); Matt Westhoff (rookie, delisted). Dom Cassisi retains the captaincy of the club with Travis Boak elevated tovice-captain. Jay Schulz, Jackson Trengove & Hamish Hartlett make up the rest of the leadership group. Pre-season training commenced on November 4 for the 1st to 3rd year players, with the 4th year + players joining a week later. However, several senior players took it upon themselves to join the younger group a week before they were officially required tn top of this, young leaders Boak & Trengove took the lead by organising a gruelling training camp in mid-October for a small group of up & coming players. Details of this head start to pre-season training attended by Boak, Trengove, John Butcher, Daniel Stewart, Matthew Broadbent, Matt Lobbe & Jarred Redden can be found here <a href="http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6038/newsid/126215/default.aspx" target="_blank">[span style="text-decoration:underline">http://www.portadelaidefc.com.<WBR>au/news/newsarticle/tabid/<WBR>6038/newsid/126215/default.<WBR>aspx[/url]
Now onto some player info – this will be split into 3 articles covering the 4 main training groups at Alberton:- Defence group; Midfield group; Rucks; Forward group, with the defence group first up. [span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold">Defence groupThe main defence training group comprises the following players: Nathan <a href="http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/nathanblee/tabid/8475/playerid/23848/category/senior/season/2012/selected/bio/default.aspx" target="_blank">Blee,[/url] Alipate <a href="http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/alipatecarlile/tabid/8475/playerid/14385/category/senior/season/2012/selected/bio/default.aspx" target="_blank">Carlile,[/url] Troy <a href="http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/troychaplin/tabid/8475/playerid/14387/category/senior/season/2012/selected/bio/default.aspx" target="_blank">Chaplin, [/url]Ben Jacobs, Tom Logan, Danyle <a href="http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/danylepearce/tabid/8475/playerid/14406/category/senior/season/2012/selected/bio/default.aspx" target="_blank">Pearce, [/url]Jasper Pittard, Nick Salter, Jacob Surjan, Jackson Trengove, Tom Jonas (r), Darren Pfeiffer (r) – although several players from this group have also spent time training with the mid-field group and several members of the main mid-field group have spent time training with the backs (as to be expected from any AFL club). This group as a whole has thoroughly impressed coaching staff & observers alike with their determination, enthusiasm, application & commitment to work as a united group. These traits have been shown across the board from the most experienced player to the least experienced.As a group, they gathered together early in the pre-season to formulate a set of values they can judge themselves as a group based on how they were perceived as a group & how they wanted to be perceived. This demonstrated a desire & commitment to improve as a group from 2011, and being something they formulated themselves as a group it is a benchmark for them to believe in & live by.
The defence group have worked hard over the pre-season to implement a structure the all members of the group understands, working primarily on the defensive part of their game but also on methods to turn defence into attack and rebound strongly & efficiently from the backline.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Nathan Blee – Def – SuperCoach $106,600 (2011 ave – n/a) DreamTeam $ 98,700 (2011 ave – n/a) Age: 21 Height: 191cm Weight: 84kg 2011 games – n/aPort’s 3rd selection (#51) at the 2011 National Draft, from East Perth.Had an interrupted pre-season due to some illness & a few niggles which has resulted in the coaching staff easing his workload for a bit before gradually building up again. Recently returned to full training and has put in some solid efforts out on the track. Has the ability & talent to be pushing for that third tall defender spot later in the year. Is slowly learning the structures through team/defensive group meetings, however not being out on the track has limited his ability to implement what he’s learning.Has been named for NAB R1 & is worth looking at, but most likely a downgrade target later on in the season.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Alipate Carlile – Def – SuperCoach $365,100 (2011 ave – 67) DreamTeam $257,800 (2011 ave – 52)Age: 24 Height: 192cm Weight: 101kg 2011 games - 17
As first choice full back,'Bobby' played on the oppositions best forward each week in 2011 performing fairly consistently throughout the season. A hip injury made it difficult for him at times, especially with the amount of ball that kept coming into defence. If he can get his body sound he could become a great leader at the club moving forward.
Carlile was having a great pre-season up until about 6-7 weeks ago when he injured his hamstring, keeping him out for a couple of weeks. In the past, such an injury at an integral time of pre-season preparations would have set him back mentally, however he’s matured this pre-season significantly and returned to the track in a very positive frame of mind. This maturity is demonstrated in his commitment to his weights & recovery programs along with his dedication to maintaining his fitness over the off-season break. He believes he hasn’t had this much consistency over pre-season or with his running in his career to date.Carlile will again play a vital role as a tall defender & 1st choice full back (height down back being something the club doesn’t have alot of options), however he isn’t a realistic SuperCoach or DreamTeam option.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Troy Chaplin – Def – SuperCoach $441,200 (2011 ave – 81) DreamTeam $339,200 (2011 ave – 68)Age: 26 Height: 195cm Weight: 100kg 2011 games - 21
Chappy didn’t have the best of seasons in 2011. 2010 was probably a better year for him, but he still had a level of consistency most weeks. Opposition teams seem to be putting more time into him, particularly looking at what he does in the back half for the team. Chappy needs to deal with trying to play well, but also the tactics opposition teams are using against him. It is important for the team that he becomes physically more imposing on the contest. 2011 was a season of contrasts for Chappy when it comes to his scoring in fantasy football – when playing the sweeping lose man role down back he had the capacity to post some decent scores, however when his role required him to be responsible for an opposition forward his scores suffered.Over pre-season, Chappy has been a standout performer in the coaches eyes, hardly missing a beat and not missing any sessions. As one of the senior players down back, and a leader of the defensive group, Chappy spends a lot of time with the coaching staff analysing structures and techniques, and he is determined and keen to work on improving elements of his game that let him down last season (which, to his credit, he’s been very open & honest about).If he can harness this drive, determination & commitment to improve his game for the better of the team, he could surprise many by increasing his scoring ability. Better SuperCoach prospect than DT, but probably wouldn’t make the cut in my team.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Ben Jacobs – Def – SuperCoach $307,200 (2011 ave – 57) DreamTeam $297,200 (2011 ave – 60)Age: 20 Height: 185cm Weight: 82kg 2011 games - 12
Unfortunately suffered glandular fever late in the pre-season last year, Ben worked extremely hard to recover & make his debut against Sydney in round 8. A classy defender capable of also playing through the midfield, Ben was assigned some big tasks playing on the opposition's smaller and quicker forwards in his debut season. He defends well & with a full, uninterrupted pre-season under his belt, he should be poised to display more of his explosive run & rebound off half-back. No doubting he is going to be a player of the future.Restricted a little bit by a minor ankle injury in the lead-up to Christmas, Ben returned from the break in terrific form & fitness. It might only be his second year on an AFL list, but Ben has impressed coaching staff & team-mates with his maturity & he’s making a solid effort to improve his game, seeking out the advice & assistance of those around him. Ben is a smart player & good listener, so combining those two traits should result in outcomes. Having spent pre-season training with both the defence & mid-field groups, Ben will be aiming to play consistent football at senior level this year.Awkwardly priced in just his 2nd season from a fantasy perspective, & also a bit of an unknown as far as scoring potential, I would advise to watch his performances in the NAB matches to get an idea of where he will fit into the team structures & what his scoring potential is.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Tom Logan – Def – SuperCoach $319,000 (2011 ave – 59) DreamTeam $291,300 (2011 ave – 59)
Age: 26 Height: 183cm Weight: 83kg 2011 games - 20Players & coaching staff absolutely love everything about Tom, but who doesn't? Not blessed with natural skill & talent, he makes up for those shortcomings with hard work, guts, grit, determination &effort. Tommy is as tough & courageous as they come as demonstrated often by his fearless attack on the ball which has regularly led to a head knock & concussion. He defends very well & demonstrates great leadership in the backline. Tom finished 3rd in the club’s best and fairest award, which was a great reward for his passion, courage & dedication.
Nobody could ask any more of Tommy, he does everything possible to be the best he can be & he regularly bleeds for the club, literally. A hard worker on the track & completely focussed on how he can help the team, at the expense of any individual glory. Tommy will have a role on a small forward again in 2012 & his grit, determination & leadership is invaluable down back.Not a viable SuperCoach or DreamTeam prospect due to primarily having defensive shut-down roles on opposition small forwards, however he is one of my favourite Port players to watch because of his fearless attack on the ball with total disregard to his own well-being – a solid team player in mould of Michael Wilson.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Danyle Pearce – Mid – SuperCoach $411,400 (2011 ave – 76) DreamTeam $365,800 (2011 ave – 74)Age: 25 Height: 179cm Weight: 77kg 2011 games – 19Pearcey can certainly be an exciting player when he runs & carries the ball. Primarily played on the wing for most of his career, however about the midway point of 2011 he was moved to half-back to try & give the backline a bit more swagger & run in a Leon Davis-type role. He was able to deliver that to some degree, but he’s now at the stage of his career, having played 134 games, where the club is looking to him to provide greater leadership on field & be a role model for the younger group. Had an ok season without hitting any great heights in 2011, and finished equal-fifth in the best & fairest award.
Having been perceived as a bit inconsistent in the past, Pearcey has put in a faultless pre-season so far. He’s had alot of discussion with the coaching staff about how he can improve his game down back & is really starting to enjoy being a part of the defensive unit. It could be fair to say that having seen how effective some smaller forwards have re-invented themselves as rebounding, playmaking defenders (ala 2011 All-Australian Leon Davis), Pearcy realises how he can play an important role for the team in defence with his run, carry and raking kick. He has still been training with the mid-field group at times over pre-season, and will still spend some time in the midfield, however he’s worked hard on the defensive side of the game over the pre-season & will regularly have a role as a rebounding defender. Has had a great attitude & worked extremely hard over the pre-season.If Pearce can take to a more regular role as a rebounding defender, his run, carry & long kicking could potentially see an improvement in his scoring capacity – however, being a mid only in SuperCoach & DT, it would be a gutsy move to take a punt on him at his price. Not for me in either SuperCoach or DT, but I will certainly watch with interest to see how well he performs as a rebounding defender – a reassignment to M/D DPP in 2013 could be a result.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Jasper Pittard – Def – SuperCoach $334,000 (2011 ave – 62) DT$275,900 (2011 ave – 56)
Age: 20 Height: 186cm Weight: 80kg 2011 games - 132011 finally had Jasper the jockey making his debut, going on to 13 games. A classy type with a good kick, Jasper found himself predominately playing in defence where he defended pretty well for a young player, often being given the task of matching up on some really dangerous forwards. Was also given the responsibility of kicking in after a behind, which at times he did make a mess of it (GCS game at AAMI), however this experience should hold him in good stead moving forward in his career. He began to tire a bit as the season went on & suffered some hamstring injuries which stopped him playing in the latter part of the season. Jasper has some exciting speed, generally kicks the ball well, with pin-point accuracy one of his positive traits along with predominately good decision making. All he needs to do is continue developing his body, but there are some good signs there for 2012 and beyond.During the pre-season, Jasper has been training with both the defence & mid-field groups and he’ll spend time in 2012 rotating between the two areas on-field. He’s worked hard to add a bit of size to his lean frame, and his worked a lot on his defensive skills. With great leg speed & a thumping it is vital the coaching staff make sure they use those attributes to benefit the team. Jasper has had a consistent pre-season completing most sessions, and he should reap the benefits of his hard running program over the pre-season as the season progresses. He has taken some big steps in terms of his development, although he still has a little bit of youthful inconsistency in his game, but spends a lot of time with all the coaches and the fitness staff to help improve his game.Has alot of positive traits & ability to improve his game further in 2012 – the prospect of seeing Pittard lining up on a wing to use his pace & precision kicking to deliver the ball to leading forwards has many Port fans salivating at the prospect. Awkwardly priced from a fantasy perspective, however you could do worse from a mid-pricer – expect to see him average more this season, how much more is the question. Worth watching in NAB.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Nick Salter – Def – SuperCoach $296,800 (2011 ave – 61) DreamTeam $249,800 (2011 ave – 51)Age: 24 Height: 190cm Weight: 94kg 2011 games: 6
Salts suffered a stress fracture in his foot in 2011 which limited him to only six games, for a career tally of 21 over his 4 seasons at Alberton. A classy defender who was rarely beaten when he did play, Salts possesses a beautiful kick & generally makes excellent decisions. He has changed his body shape over the past couple of years & physically looks a lot more like an AFL player now than he did when first joining the club. Salts is one player the coaching staff are ‘keeping their fingers crossed’ can play consistently down back in 2012 & beyond.Has been a bit of a surprise packet over pre-season & is set to put a lot of pressure on the other talls down back. Salts has had a few issues with his body in the past, but he’s hardly missed a beat this pre-season, apart from suffering back spasms at training about 6 weeks ago. He has worked hard to get his body in good shape & fitness. Possessing a beautiful kick, his team-mates need to get the ball into his hands more often & make use of his ability to get the ball forward.
Salts has also been working hard on his versatility so he’s able to play on a number of different types of players, from the big guys to the little guys. However, being in his 5th season in 2012, he needs to work hard on getting in the best 22 & maintain his spot. I honestly don’t see Salts as being relevant from a fantasy viewpoint. Pass.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Jacob Surjan – Def – SuperCoach $216,200 (2011 ave – 40) DreamTeam $185,500 (2011 ave – 38)Age: 26 Height: 179cm Weight: 84kg 2011 games: 8
In & out of the side in 2011 because of inconsistent form, Surj manage to finish off the season ok, defending strongly at times in his games late in the year. The value with Surj in the side is he brings strong leadership, a lot of voice and offers direction in the back 6. He is a fierce competitor and the club needs him playing at his best.
To his credit, Surj is open and transparent about having a poor season in 2011. He’s been a vice-captain of this footy club & he loves Port and wants to get back to playing good footy to help the club move forward to better things. Surj has been ticking all the right boxes in terms of his approach & application at training over pre-season, using his leg speed, kicking the ball well & defending well, which has the coaching staff pleased. His leadership, voice and enthusiasm are important elements in the backline, & even when the chips are down, Surj is still out there yapping & encouraging everyone.Even though he is still a valued member of the squad, Surj will be battling some of the younger blokes coming through to maintain his place in the best 22, but when it comes to a fantasy viewpoint, not worth a spot in your team even at his discount price – he is priced so low for a reason, not enough points on the board – Pass!!!
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Jackson Trengove – Def – SuperCoach $386,400 (2011 ave – 71)DT $304,200 (2011 ave – 62)Age: 21 Height: 197cm Weight: 97kg 2011 games – 222011 was a great year for Jackson, he developed his ability to defend against some of the best forwards in the competition & he certainly learned a lot throughout the year. Jackson really grew as a player & as a leader in 2011, and the improvement in his leadership skills at such a young age & in the direction he wants to take the club moving forward will see him become a future candidate to captain the club. His influence on the ground was recognised by the coaching staff by being awarded the John Cahill Medal as joint B&F alongside Travis Boak. His commitment to helping the club move forward from the dark times of 2011 was demonstrated by him signing a new contract late in the season when other clubs were salivating at the prospect of him jumping from what they perceived as a sinking ship.Jackson has been incredibly professional, determined & passionate in his approach this pre-season. He is always knocking on the coaches doors wanting to talk about positioning or structure or watch vision - it’s a great credit to his dedication & professionalism. Jackson will be a key component of the backline in 2012, matching up on one of the opposition’s key talls each week & it’s great to see he’s not resting on his laurels & is constantly trying to improve his game. His competitive nature on the track was demonstrated earlier in the pre-season when he had a stoush with fellow leadership group member Jay Schulz. The competitiveness he displays has been rubbing off on his team-mates, which can only auger well for the club moving forward.A strong lad who isn’t afraid to attack the ball hard, Jackson boosted his SuperCoach ave by 18 points in 2011 – natural improvement in his game could feasibly see him improve his scoring further. Watch in NAB games to see how he scores, but for under $400k you could do worse in defence. Worth considering. [span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Tom Jonas (r) – Def – SuperCoach $184,300 (2011 ave – 34) DreamTeam $137,300 (2011 ave – 28)Age: 21 Height: 188cm Weight: 84kg 2011 games: 4
Tom played some great footy in the SANFL with Norwood in 2011 & learned alot throughout the year. After starting the season on the rookie list, he was given an opportunity to play in round 21, debuting with a role on Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge. He did a fantastic job, keeping Hodge to 19 possessions. A very compliant & disciplined player, Tom is tough & hard over the footy & also wins his own ball. Retained as a rookie for 2012, Tom just needs to continue working hard as he develops his game.
A determined & hard working player on the track, Tom has put on some good size over the break coming off playing the final four games of 2011. He’s hungry to take the next step & get elevated to the senior list, and with one permanent position available with skipper Cassisi being veteran listed, that place is there for the taking if he works hard enough. Tom absolutely hates being beaten by his opponent, which is a great attribute for a someone playing a run-with role. He is also a smart player & isn’t afraid to speak up & voice his opinion, a trait that needs to be encouraged by coaching staff & team-mates alike.Although Tom is a very hard working & determined player, the fact he primarily plays a run-with role pretty much discounts him from a fantasy perspective. Pass.
[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic">Darren Pfeiffer[span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic"> (r) – M/F – SuperCoach $126,700 (2011 ave – n/a) DreamTeam $117,800 (2011 ave – n/a)Age: 24 Height: 183cm Weight: 81kg 2011 games: n/a
Pfeiff gets his 3rd crack at AFL footy having previously been on both Adelaide’s & Carlton’s lists. At 24, he has a strong body, mature outlook & knows where he wants to take his game. Although he didn’t set the world on fire fantasy wise during his stint at Carlton in 2008 (7 games for a SuperCoach ave of 54 & DreamTeam ave of 53), Darren has since had stints in AFLQ & SANFL developing his game with a hope of getting drafted again. He averaged 23 disposals in 18 games with Norwood in 2011, ranking 16th in the comp for handballs.Pfeiff has settled in well at the club since being picked up in the rookie draft & is working hard to improve his game. He’s been training predominately with the defence group, occasionally crossing over to the mid-field group, and in match simulation & internal trials he has mainly been playing off a half back flank.
With his sound skills & capacity to run well, Darren will be pushing hard to be upgraded onto the senior list.Listed as a Mid/Fwd in SuperCoach & DT, but mainly training with the backs, Pfeiff could find his way into some sides if he gets elevated. Will need to see how he goes throughout the NAB matches to gain an insight into his scoring potential & chances of gaining elevation to the senior list. Worth watching.
(And just walesy again - the word Epic gets thrown around a lot these days, but Bearfly- a magnificent effort mate, I love it!)
Bearfly's Port Adelaide Power update. Defense
Discussion in 'Blog' started by shmecky, Feb 26, 2012.
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Discussion in 'Blog' started by shmecky, Feb 26, 2012.