Port talks up Tiger power
May 17, 2009
PORT Adelaide has run away from the notion of being favourite ahead of today's meeting with Richmond, in what amounts to its latest effort to shrug off crippling inconsistency.
Ruckman Dean Brogan and coach Mark Williams went to great lengths to talk up the merits of the Tigers, who, with one win from seven games, are alongside Melbourne at the bottom of the ladder.
At the start of round eight, Port was fourth, but only one win removed from 13th.
Williams' future may be shrouded in some doubt, but his counterpart, Terry Wallace, is as good as gone, according to many close to Tigerland.
That did not stop the Power from trying to build up its opponent into the sort of challenger it has handled well this year, beating Hawthorn and Adelaide when not favoured to do so. History helped Williams on this front, given that Port's four-point loss to Richmond in mid-2008 was the result that caused him to unceremoniously end the Power's season by declaring an early close to its finals aspirations.
"The only thing we take out of (last year's game) is they are capable of beating us if we don't play as well as we can and that's all we are taking out of it," Williams said.
Brogan's words seemed as much about revving himself up for the game as they were a reflection of the Tigers' not inconsiderable returns in numerous statistical categories such as clearances, an area where Port have been inconsistent.
Williams said it was up to each player to decide how best to prepare their minds.
"People will pick and choose what they read in the papers, hear in the media or take from the coaches — whatever gets them up to play, whatever turns them on, great," he said. "If they want to be underdogs, so be it."
Kane Cornes' remarkable recovery means Port has made only one change from the team that lost to North Melbourne, with youngster Hamish Hartlett replacing Steve Salopek (dislocated shoulder). Richmond has made five useful inclusions, including those of rising star Trent Cotchin and veteran left-footer Nathan Brown.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/port-talks-up-tiger-power/2009/05/16/1242335935801.html
