How Does Port Handle The Half-Back Squeeze

If there were one issue that could be termed a “good problem to have”, Port Adelaide seem to have it when it comes to their defence.

As I sat looking at the possibilities of a Best-22 article about the Power, it jumped out at me just how much talent they have accumulated in their back half. Unfortunately, in any AFL defence, there are only six spots… seven at a stretch if you prefer to carry an extra defender into the game on the bench.

Running my finger up and down Port’s list, I counted 13 players highly capable of playing a substantial role in defence, whether it be key position, or as an interceptor/rebounder. How Port plan to fit these blokes in will be one of the more interesting developments at the club in 2023, particularly with a few of them unsigned beyond this season.

The departure of Karl Amon to Hawthorn (this was money driven… I am not sure he will be playing great footy when the Hawks are ready to contend again) seemed as though it would open up an extra spot on the wing at the club, however, the contenders are so numerous for that role that some would be eyeing the half-back flank as their fall-back option.

And given the number of players looking at the half-back role in 2023, it could be a dangerous way to think.

 

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