‘They need to change’: Asset Power ‘desperately need’ exposed as tough calls loom on stalwarts

It’s been another year of almosts for Port Adelaide, as head coach Ken Hinkley brutally suffered his fourth preliminary final loss in a dozen years at the helm – and it could force his hand on making some tough decisions.

And while their list is very much trending in the right direction, the six-goal loss could well spell the end for a veteran duo – despite their notable performances in the do-or-die clash.

AFL legend Jason Dunstall laid bare the potential future of Charlie Dixon and Travis Boak post-game, and what may need to happen for Hinkley’s side to take that last step towards an elusive grand final appearance.

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“I think we’re going to see the end of Dixon, maybe Boak as well, so there’s going to be a couple that go out,” Dunstall stated.

“They need to change the way they attack the forward half of the ground; they’ve got to get a bit more variety.

“I think they desperately need a couple of really good, quick, livewire small forwards.

Willie Rioli was a shining light for the Power up forward this finals series – and while deprived of opportunity against the Cats and Swans, flourished against Hawthorn last week.

And even in their two September losses, he looked dangerous when the ball came in his vicinity.

Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for teammates Francis Evans and Quinton Narkle, who were below par across all three finals games – each starting as the sub once.

Evans’ tackle pressure was strong against Geelong, but that was arguably the only positive for either forward – with a new formula maybe needed.

Pressure forward Jed McEntee was dropped after his side’s 14-goal loss to Geelong a fortnight ago, while the Power also have second-year untried forward Tom Anastasopolous on their list.

The duo are contracted until the end of next year, while Evans and Narkle are interestingly still yet to put pen to paper at Alberton beyond 2024.

“Aside from that, you need a lot of luck throughout the course of the season. At different stages, maybe it didn’t come their way. They fell quite short tonight,” Dunstall continued.

“‘Kenny’ is pretty practical, he said the best two teams will get there and that means they’re not one of the best two teams.

“Even though they fell into second on the home and away ladder, they didn’t seem to be the second-best team.”

Injury and suspension also took its toll on the Power on the eve of finals, after maintaining a relatively healthy injury list throughout the year.

And as two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King pointed out, it completely “disarmed” them in transition.

“Suspensions in September just ruin seasons; the Dan Houston suspension was a disaster for them – and the (Kane) Farrell injury,” King added.

“It disarmed Ken across half back – they’re a ball movement team, they’re a corridor team, all-out aggression.

“You just can’t lose those kickers off half-back; when they lost them, I thought it sent them into a bit of turmoil.”

Jason Horne-Francis was the best from Port’s engine room with 23 disposals (12 contested), while Connor Rozee was commendable without being exceptional.

Their counterpart Zak Butters copped heavy knocks throughout the match while already playing sore, but the trio (alongside teammates) simply gave turned the ball over too many times to give their side a chance.

“They lost their way a little bit in how they wanted to move the footy. To be honest, their superstars didn’t really stand up,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna identified.

“We understand Zak Butters was playing sore, Connor Rozee didn’t reach the heights, I thought Horne-Francis was terrific for the whole finals series – he tried his backside off.

“In the end, you need your best players playing at their optimal against the very best (and) they couldn’t quite do that.

“It was still a pretty positive year because they are a relatively young group. They’ll continue to build and grow together.”