Port Magpies Season Preview

Port Adelaide Magpies Season 2012 preview


IN: Callum Wilson (West Coast Eagles),
James Brain (Sydney Reserves),
Brendan Ah Chee (Mini Draft – Power),
Ben Haren (Sydney / Returning),
Ryan Mackenzie (North Ballarat),
Cade Wellington (Ocen Grove),
Bryan Beinke (Norwood Reserves Coach)
Adam Cockshell ( South Adelaide )

OUT: Terry Milera (St. Kilda), Michael Clinch (North Adelaide), Kerran Hall (North Adelaide), Ivan Maric (Richmond), Matthew Lokan (Retired), Kristian DePasquale (Retired), Isaac Weetra (West)

Season 2012 offers much hope for the Magpie army. Falling half a game out of the final 5 in 2011 after pushing the eventual premier in the last minor round game left all the players, coaches and supporters hopeful of September action in 2012.

Tony Bamford showed he has the nouse to make it at SANFL level as a coach with many visiting fans noting to me at Alberton last year that the style of play he produces is not only attractive to watch but gives the ‘Pies the ability to score quickly. The down side is it can let our opponent do that same.

The loss of Ivan Maric will be felt, with the big man playing more for the ‘Pies than the Crows and the experience of Matty Lokan and Kristian DePasquale across the back half will also be missed and can’t be underestimated. But throw in Cockshell and Robson to help out and the ruck stocks look really good.

Ports biggest problem in 2011 was kicking goals and moving the ball into the forward half. John Butcher, bound for more AFL action will be a big loss as “Butch” was giving us a target to kick to.

That’s enough of the bad, what about the good.

Callum Wilson will slot into the full forward position, strongly built and coming off 4 years on the WCE list, this 24 year old has loads of *ahem* potential. He can play forward or back, but expect to see him as a focal point in 2012. The big man kicked over 130 goals in the last 3 seasons ( combined ) and looks set to make his mark on the SANFL in 2012. Keep an eye on this bloke, my bet is he might be the story of 2012 in the SANFL.

James Brain is small, quick and skillful suited to a midfield role.He has spent time in the Sydney Swans system and came through an AFL NSW scholarship.

Ryan McKenzie landed at Alberton over the summer. Tough and hard he comes to Adelaide on the back of a 5th in the Liston Trophy and 3rd in North Ballarats B&F.
McKenzie adds some much needed muscle to the midfield and hardness around the ball.

Adam Cockshell coming in from South Adelaide to help Jimmy Meiklejohn in the ruck and play as the third tall, probably spending a fair bit of time in the forward half with Wilson, is a big coup.

With last years B&F winner Mark Dolling, Steve Summerton, the fit and ready to go Jezza Clayton who missed most of 2011 offers some real class, all SANFL fans know how good this bloke is and with McKenzie offers some mid field presence. Kulikowski, Kirkwood and Hoskins add to the depth on ball while Sam Grey and Korey Beard have been stand outs on the pre-season training track.

Brad Mercer up forward looks set to build on his 40 goals from 2011 ( or could end up playing full back! ) and with Callum Wilson recruited to help in the forward 50 could offer a real target.

The back half will be hurt with the loss of the experienced Lokan who marshalled the back half like all good full backs do.

Best case ? The young Magpies and new recruits step up to offer more consistency than in previous years while the steadying influence of the older group helps pull us through the tough times in matches. A top 5 finish will be the goal and is achievable. 4th spot on offer.

Worst case? Our back half leaks like a sieve and allows the opposition too many scoring shots and we once again drop too many games by under 3 goals, as we did in 2010 and 2011 and miss out on finals action.

Nice read Booney, well put.

I think the Maggies will surprise a few this season...

I think the maggies will have a solid year, some quality pick ups and potentially a very strong forward line

Good write up Booney

I think have recruited well and if Wilson and Achee can fire up forward they will be the big improver this yr

Thanks for that great read, Booney.

I'll be watching them with renewed interest this Saturday.

They could be the dark horse this year going on Saturdays performance or were West very ordinary?

New General Manager for the Magpies, four time premiership player Brian Leys.

Leys new GM

Rusty Cage wrote:New General Manager for the Magpies, four time premiership player Brian Leys.

Leys new GM

From Localfootysa...

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/leys-returns-to-alberton-as-gm/story-e6freckc-1226291028683?from=public_rss

Definite top 5 contenders. May depend on injuries to key personnel, and how the depth players stack up.

Finals is a minimum requirement for mine, top 3 is not out of the question.

Bobbafet wrote:Good write up Booney

X2

I would be getting quite excited this year pies fans .

They look good

Millsy wrote:

Bobbafet wrote:Good write up Booney

X2

X3 great work Booney

Booney wrote:Finals is a minimum requirement for mine, top 3 is not out of the question.

we are struggling.

I think Port are still well and truely in the hunt they have played Norwood & Centrals both of these sides
will probably finish in the top 2 after the minor round.
They would like a lift from Wilson & McKenzie however and their clash with South at Noarlunga this weekend will be a
great contest