AFL Team Profile: Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide have been in the mix for a grand final appearance in recent seasons, but have fallen short each time and will be keen to put that right in 2024.

In three of the last four campaigns, the Power have finished in the top four, earning a double shot, but they have been unable to make it count.

Ken Hinkley’s side are expected to be in the mix again and they are priced at 3.00 to go on and make the top four.

Winning the flag has to be the number one goal however and Port Adelaide can be backed at 13.00 to go all the way.

Let’s take a look at how Port Adelaide are shaping up heading into the new season.

Power fall short again

Port Adelaide had a 2022 to forget as they failed to make the top eight and play finals, but normal business returned in 2023.

Port were locked on 68 points with Brisbane Lions after winning 17 of their 23 games throughout the regular season.

Only a percentage of 112.7, compared to Brisbane’s 123.1, meant they had to settle for third place on the ladder.

They were looking in great shape to win the minor premiership at one point, but five defeats on the spin towards the end of the campaign put an end to that.

Port stopped the rot when winning the last two games of the regular season, but maybe the writing was on the wall as they struggled in finals.

They still had a double shot, but much to the disappointment of their success-starved members, they failed to make it count.

The Power failed to show up in both games. In the opening qualifier they lost by a massive 48 points in Brisbane and could not bounce back in the semi-final.

Despite being on home soil, they lost by 23 points to Greater Western Sydney, and their season ended in disappointment.

Now it is on to 2024 and Port will be looking to take the next step. They have not made a grand final in the 11 years Hinkley has been in charge, but are priced at 6.50 to make it this year.

Key players

Port Adelaide had issues in defence towards the end of last season that resulted in them going out of finals in straight sets.

Too much weight was on the shoulders of key defender Aliir Aliir, and although he will be a huge player for Port in 2024, help has been drafted in.

Port have recruited Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher to help sure up the defence and both will have key roles to play in 2024.

Ratugolea could go on to become an All-Australian defender if he fulfils his potential.

Port Adelaide have a well stocked midfield with plenty of quality. That includes new skipper Connor Rozee and his leadership will be key this season.

Zak Butters, Travis Boak, Ollie Wines and Jason Horne-Francis will also be midfielders to watch this season.

Up top, a lot of the goal-kicking responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Charlie Dixon once again.

Mitch Georgiades is returning from serious injury and will be key in that department, as will Ollie Lord.

Good start for Port

Port Adelaide have a great chance to get off to a good start as they play both West Coast Eagles and Richmond in the first two games.

The first game is against the Eagles at Adelaide Oval on Sunday 17th March and they are 1.09 to get the win, with West Coast priced at 7.50.