Source :- THE AGE NEWS
By AAP
With a 73-point beating of West Coast, Zak Butters and Mitch Georgiades scored, Port Adelaide prepared for the AFL large one.
In their pre-season match at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday, the Power were close to reaching full-strength thanks to new senior coach Josh Carr, who were 22.8 ( 140 ) to 9.13 ( 67 ) winners.
Connor Rozee, a captain, and Connor Butters ( 36 touches, two clearances ), both led State of Origin with dominant stats, with Connor Rozee ( 33 touches, six clearances ), also impressing.
Willem Drew ( 24 disposals, one goal ) and mature-age rookie Jack Watkins ( 20 touches, six clearances ) put his hand up for inclusion in the Power’s round-one encounter with North Melbourne on March 15.
Despite recent concerns over “minor awareness” in his troublesome foot, Jason Horne-Francis ( 13 touches, two goals ), moved well for Port in the back half, and Todd Marshall ( 24 ).
Carr’s anticipation for the upcoming season, which he would have been his second in charge since replacing long-time coach Ken Hinkley, was fueled by the performance.
” I’m excited for the party, and excited for the challenges that come our way as a footy club,” Carr said.
” We are currently in a fantastic location because there is so much unknown about us.”
Everyone in the pre-season is given trust by Sunday’s efficiency.
” We’ve had a really good pre-season, we’ve had most of the people out on the track, but there’s a number of venues that will be saying the same thing.”
Harry Edwards, a crucial keeper, was taken to a concussion after the first half, West Coast, who were already without the wounded seniors Liam Duggan, Jack Graham, Tim Kelly, Brandon Starcevich, and Reuben Ginbey.
Harley Reid ( 22 disposals ) appeared briefly constrained by a leg issue, and Jacob Newton ( two goals ) left the game early with precautionary ice on his left ankle.
Josh Lindsay ( 20 disposals, one goal ), Willem Duursma ( 16 touches ), Cooper Duff-Tytler ( 16 touches ), and Willem Duursma ( 16 touches, respectively ) were among the Eagles ‘ young players who provided inspiration.
No. Duursma, the first draft pick, was occupied, but he made some poor errors, including spraying a fixed shot out of bounds and conceding a goal with a turnover full in defense.
The 18-year-old is still likely to play in the Eagles ‘ March 15 round-one encounter with Gold Coast.
Deven Robertson, a former Brisbane person, and Finlay Macrae, a former magpie, both had 28 disposals for West Coast, and Jake Waterman and Matt Owies each scored two goals.
Importantly, injured-prone Elliot Yeo ( nine disposals ) avoided a second pre-season hit-out.
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter was disappointed with the outcome, acknowledged that his people ‘ ability to handle pressure and skill levels weren’t up to the necessary requirements, but also saw some negatives.
” All of our young people showed some events… there’s some enjoyment it, for sure,” McQualter said.
