There hasn't been much news coming out of the Port camp, but no doubt the side has been studiously working away, coming up with a ploy to destruct its opposition in a way similar to last season where they easily accounted for all of the sides bar Sawtell that came before them.
Arguably, the hardest working and dedicated side in the competition has two very good rolemodels leading the way. Captain-coach, Matt Newton and President, Paul Sheldon, epitomise the spirit and nature of the club in the way they work hard to guarantee the club's success. Leadership means a lot in this competition and you only need to look at successful sides in the past to see that this concept is linked with success.
The side were favourites for the flag (as they have been for many years previously) and finally, they overcame their sense of the wobbles in the Finals Series to account for Sawtell in the Grand Final by a small margin.
The midfield was instrumental throughout the day and will again boast key personnel this season to ensure the side is again competitive. Shannon Skreja and Steve Gluyas were in terrific form last season not only gaining possessions for themselves, but also shutting down the best opposition players. This allowed the likes of Newton and Jesse Schmidt to have maximum impact playing utility roles to a point where they could float around half-back and half-forward.
The Magpies outfit was also potent in the forward line with big, John Bain, kicking multiple bags along with fellow talls; Schmidt and Matt Gallagher who were more than handy support acts. Their effectiveness would be attributed to the excellent delivery and thrust the midfield gave throughout the season.
Port's backline wasn't too shabby either with Dean Nankervill and Clayton Micheel leading a defence that was more than able to hold its opponent as well as counter-attack when opportunities arose. A case in point was Nankervill winning the Woodlock Medal for best on ground in the Grand Final last year. Nankervill was superb with his ball winning ability, aerial prowess and long penetrating kicking, both aspects that spectators can look forward to again this season.
Saying this, the side has reportedly lost a few key names in the lead-up to this season. The ruckman who has dominated the competition for several seasons, Jon Stephens, has headed north to the sun of Surfers Paradise, and young guns, Ben Dunlop and Nathan Tritton, who impressed so much last season with their ability to step up to the senior grade, have left town with university commitments.
The counter this however the side could well be possessing more depth this season, with reports the club has attracted four Sydney grade players capable of making an impact in the Senior grade.
The Regional Championships during the June long weekend could be either a benefit or detriment to the Port side. A lot of their players are expected to be named in the squad and with a long trip to Wagga Wagga and intense matches to be played over two days, members of the side may need to be nursed through stages of the season to prevent the chance of injury spreading through the club.
Last year's premiership would've been a great relief to some members of the squad. Expect the side to be motivated to create their own piece of history this year as they are a true football side that accepts accountability and is committed to putting out consistent efforts each and every week. The side, I dare say, is the only one in the competition that has the depth to drop and recall players in the case of poor form. The side should be well in the mix to fight it out in the last week in August.
Last Modified on 28/03/2008 20:01