Time out flicks switch
Rockliff ready to take game to ‘the next level’
AFL: Boom Port Adelaide recruit Tom Rockliff has declared he is ready to return from injury and a spell in the SANFL to make his presence felt in Showdown 44.
Handicapped by a pre-season knee injury and a calf ailment suffered in round four, the former Brisbane Lions captain and 2014 All-Australian insists his body is now in good shape and he wants to help the Power snap a five-game losing streak against cross-town rivals Adelaide.
“I feel that I have found a bit of the footy and some form at SANFL level and am ready to make an impact in the AFL, so hopefully I get that chance on Saturday,” said Rockliff, who signed a four-year contract with Port as a free agent at the end of last season.
“Obviously I’m a little disappointed with how the season has so far panned out for me but I felt I covered the ground well against Norwood last Friday night and got my share of the footy.
“Now I’m ready to take that to the next level.”
The two-time Brisbane club champion and renowned ball magnet has had a modest start to his Power career.
After playing just one preseason game, an internal trial, because of a knee injury, Rockliff averaged a modest 12 disposals and kicked just three goals in the first four rounds, with a season-high 19 against his former club in round three.
He hurt his calf early in the round-four clash with Essendon and while he battled through most of the game with the injury, he was spelled the following week and then was given two games in the SANFL to find fitness and form.
The 28-year-old, who was put straight into Port’s leadership group because of the example he set at pre-season training, had 29 disposals against Sturt and 31 and a goal against Norwood.
“I felt I got better as the games went on and that I started to find some form,” Rockliff said. “My best footy is clearly still ahead of me this season and I’d love to get the opportunity to play in my first Showdown and play my role for the team.
“It’s going to be a huge game, as all Showdowns are, and it’s very important as far as the season is concerned for us because Adelaide is a benchmark team and 5-3 would be a lot better result for us than 4-4.”