I’m worried about where Travis Boak’s 2025 season will take him.
Ever since I watched Port Adelaide capitulate to the Sydney Swans in the 2024 Preliminary Final, then heard he’d re-signed with the club for a year, I’ve felt a little uneasy.
I took particular interest in the play of the former captain in that cutthroat final
To me, we seemed to be witnessing a man whose mind was still willing, but whose body was simply unable to do what it once was capable of.
There were moments at the conclusion of Port’s 2024 season where Boak looked like a man approaching the end of the road. Uncharacteristic mistakes, rushed kicks in defence costing goals, and poor turnovers in the loss to Sydney, made people question whether we were witnessing the final game of the 36-year-old. Whilst there were moments where Boak stood up and went part way to redeeming himself, we also witnessed instances where his play was… well, it was Un-Boak-Like.
I admit, I was a little surprised when he re-upped for the 2025 season; moreso by the fact that Port agreed to the deal, than by Boak wanting to continue. The pull of a potential premiership is strong, and whilst a Preliminary Final loss is by no means a successful season, the result means that Port remain firmly in the window for a flag, despite what their critics say. And Boak may still provide something that could drag the Power over the line.
Or, at least, I hope he can.
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