Oz Footy List Manager now takes a look at the boys from Alberton.
List:
In the 2020s, Port has almost consistently played finals, yet it hasn’t lifted the premiership cup in that window. But it has had holes.
In 2020/21, it lacked for genuine talls (195-199cms) in its defence, and had too many mature (25-27yo) and twilight (28+) players who weren’t core players.
Now, in 2025, the list looks a lot better. It has genuine tall and medium interceptors in defence, it has very good depth in its tall forwards, and it has a heap of very good goal-kicking midfielders.
I have a couple of knocks. One, their best hit-out ruckman by far is still on the rookie list – Sweet – and they need to re-include Soldo, their best clearance ruckman, back into the fold.
Also, there is a gap in their mobile talls (190-194cms), which is where 3rd tall defenders and the new generation of tall ‘Crisp/Bontempelli’ ruck-rovers are sourced.
An opportunity for those from other clubs could be Ollie Lord, still a developing goal a game player, but looks to be behind Marshall, Georgiades and the newly recruited Lukosias, all ahead of him. And only Adelaide plays 4 talls in the forward half in a grand final (hee hee!). Lord’s contract runs out in 2026 anyway.
Aside from list, to borrow from the past thoughts of that great Australian philosopher Micky Malthouse (“the ox is slow but the Earth is patient”), Port needs to play more games on the MCG if it seriously wants to win a premiership.
Select 22:
To me, Port builds on its 2024 team. The aging Dixon has retired and should be replaced by the newly recruited and still developing Lukosius. Burton was close in 2024 to a core player with 15 games, yet was their 3rd best for average metres gained per game, and should be in the team. Also, although Sweet is their best hit-out ruckman, Soldo is their best clearance ruckman and needs to be in the team when centre clearances are needed.
Port will be strong in the 2025 season, again, but needs more games on the MCG for when the “big dance” comes.
B: Burgoyne, Zerk-Thatcher, Allir
HB: Jones, Ratugolea, Bergman
C: Burton, Horne-Francis, Farrell
HF: Rozee, Georgiades, Byrne-Jones
F: Lukosius, T.Marshall, W.Rioli
R: Sweet, Wines, Butters
I: Evans, Boak, Drew, Soldo
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About
It was 25 years ago that I began developing a model for analysing footy squad lists for the purpose of improving those lists into a premiership window. Since then, the model has been used to successfully predict premiership clubs and to improve either lop-sided or underdeveloped lists into premiership lists. Indeed, the model was used for an article that I had published as a double page spread in The Age 2005 Pre-Season magazine. Over the 25 years, I have analysed the annual lists of one particular club but have used it for other clubs upon request. It has always been on my bucket list to display the lists of all the clubs, using the model, which I've done since 2021 on my website - OzFootyListManager.com
I believe Todd Mrashall has done his achilles and out for the year
Interesting read, Micky, thanks
As a ‘newish’ Barossa Valley resident, after 32 years in Brisbane, I am still an ‘AFL neutral’ really …
On Saturday morning, Mrs Hansen and I were driving to the Mt Pleasant markets – had the car radio on Triple M (not really sure why – would usually be podcast time)
Within 10 minutes of listening to the ‘panel’ doing the sports show LIVE from LIV golf, we heard the fearless prediction from the (Adelaide) experts – both Port and the Crows will play finals in 2025.
Time will tell
Hi Pete,
Yes, happened in the last month at training. Injuries happen to all clubs. The beauty of Port’s list is that it can easily cover his loss. Ollie Lord might now get his go.
Hi Russel,
I believe Adelaide will improve this year with more midfield options. While Port has a very good list.
Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams play finals.
Micky why not have updated then re Marshall – Sweet is on main list and all interstate clubs need and should play at the g more often unfortunately it’s a $$$ business not a fair competition
No, Malcolm, Sweet is a rookie again. He was elevated last year through injury, but is currently returned to the rookie list – https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/tp-port-adelaide-power
I think Port can learn from Micky Malthouse when coach of Westcoast. Although decades ago, Malthouse made it an imperative that Westcoast play as many games possible at the G. He saw it as part of premiership development.
Micky I wouldn’t be relying on footy wire that’s saying-Port have nine rookies which is incorrect – not that it matters any more in relation to being able to be picked to play – again clubs can only play where they are scheduled have no idea what your on about re Malthouse obviously no one has that much influence
Micky finally looked in the AFL guide book – Sweet is on -Ports main list it was at Western Bulldogs when he was originally a rookie