No spot in team for Power’s ex-Dees
PRAGMATISM has trumped sentiment at Port Adelaide, with Jack Watts and Jack Trengove to miss playing their old side Melbourne.
Tonight’s blockbuster at Adelaide Oval would have been the first chance for the pair to go up against the Demons since switching clubs. But Watts (pictured) was dropped last week because of inconsistent form and Trengove is yet to make his senior debut at Port.
That’s despite Watts shining in the SANFL last Sunday and Trengove impressing for Port Adelaide Magpies.
Power coach Ken Hinkley said Watts was in a similar spot to fellow star recruit Tom Rockliff, who benefited from a SANFL spell earlier this season.
“Jack Trengove has been in great form all year and he’s just waiting for an opportunity ... our midfield group has been pretty strong,” Hinkley said.
“Like we showed with Rocky earlier in the year, when you give them that break — unless you’re forced into it — you probably need to give them a little bit of time.
“That works well for (Watts). He played really well last week (and) it’s probably the best game he’s played for the season.”
Hinkley said Port would recall in-form defender Tom Jonas from a hamstring injury as Jack Hombsch makes way.
Darcy Byrne-Jones was cleared of an injury to the opturator internus muscle, which Hinkley enjoyed explaining is underneath the hamstring tendon. Sam Gray missed training yesterday because of illness but Hinkley expects him to play.
It is a massive game, with Port seventh and coming off home wins over Richmond and Western Bulldogs.
Melbourne are fourth, on the same points as the Power, and were disappointing in the Queen’s Birthday loss to Collingwood.
But pre-Magpies, the Demons had a six-game winning streak.
“They’re a ‘ready’ team, I would say — they’re ready to play some high-level football,” Hinkley said.
Contested play is key and Hinkley said it would be redhot in the kitchen.
“There will be fireworks out there early and you wouldn’t want to get caught between the two or three people who are going at the ball,” he said.
“It could be a dangerous spot to tread.”