Charlie Dixon

Since debuting, Dixon has become a lynchpin of Port Adelaide’s attack. His size makes him a difficult match-up and he currently leads the Power’s goal kicking with 26 goals. As shown most recently against Collingwood, it’s his ability to compete and create opportunity for his teammates that is one of his most potent weapons. A solid start to the season.

“It took a little while through the pre-season to help him understand he wasn’t under the pressure everyone was making him out to be under. We just wanted him to come and play simple footy, and he’s done exactly that. He’s a beast when it comes to work rate, physicality, aggression, effort on defence for a 202cm player.” – Matthew Nicks

Dougal Howard

Was given a chance at AFL level through a combination of injuries and his own good form in the SANFL. Has had a cautious start playing in-and-out of the team, but is expected to take time to develop given his size and role as a tall forward-cum-ruckman.

“He’s got elite speed for his size and we’re trying to find a way to bring that out so that he’s not chasing the game at the higher level, he’s able to use his assets instead. We’re hoping he gets the opportunity over the next month to show what he’s got, but also to get more game time because he’s still very inexperienced.” – Matthew Nicks

Jarman Impey

One of the uncovered gems of the season for Port, the move from defence to attack has been a revelation for the Power. Impey provides pace and excitement as a half-forward for the Power. He showed his worth against the Tigers and again when opposed to Melbourne and Collingwood.

“Jars has got everything you need to play as an elite small pressure forward. Has spent the first part of his career working as a shutdown back. He’s benefitted from simplifying everything, focussing on the basics: speed, staying relevant in the contest and his best game this season was the weekend just gone.” – Matthew Nicks

Jake Neade

Many expect Neade to impact the scoreboard, but his role is more refined than that. Instead, he plays the role of pressure forward, and needs to bring high pressure to his opponents to try and keep the ball in the Power’s attacking half. Has been solid without spectacular, although recent form has been positive for him.

“He had a massive pre-season, worked really hard in the gym, and has had a really consistent season – not outstanding, he’d be the first to admit that, but certainly one built on plenty of hard work which is starting to come out these last few weeks. – Matthew Nicks

Justin Westhoff

Now part of the Power’s leadership group, Westhoff continues to be used in a variety of positions by the coaches, particularly up forward and in the midfield. Like many of his colleagues in the forward line, Westhoff has enjoyed better form in the last three weeks particularly.

“He’s been solid, but not to the level he’d want to be at this point, although we have tried him in a number of roles. He’s had a bit of a mix between forward and midfield.  He’s our leader, our on-field leader of the group.”  – Matthew Nicks

Aaron Young

Perhaps the ultimate masterstroke of the 2016 season has been sending Aaron Young into attack to play as a dangerous and creative forward. He sits second on the Power’s goal kicking tally and remains one of the biggest improvers this season. Sets up opportunities for his teammates but also finishes his own work.

“He’s been our best performer as far as overall game, he’s stepped up as a leader for the club when we needed one to step up and cover White and Schulz. He had a massive pre-season and was in great form all pre-season. He’s running well and kicking goals – most importantly.  – Matthew Nicks

Chad Wingard

A concussion against Geelong was a setback for the Power’s 2013 club champion, but Wingard has slowly played his way back into form over the last few weeks. Remains one of the Power’s most important players when in form.

“Really starting to find his groove a bit of late. We know what Chaddy can do, we haven’t seen it this year consistently, but we’ve seen patches of it. I think he’s now working into a position where the rest of the group is working really well. We’re excited about what we’re going to get from him the rest of the year. – Matthew Nicks

John Butcher

Playing the year thus far with the Magpies, Butcher is Port’s main SANFL focal point. Continues to work on improving game-to-game, and has kicked 18 for the season so far and sits fifth on the league’s overall goal kicking tally.

“He’s working really hard on becoming more consistent within games and game-to-game. He works really hard during week, does plenty of extras, and gives a really strong target up forward for us.” – Trent Hentschel

Cam Hewett

The rookie debuted earlier in the year and has played six games so far. Injury was a setback for him in the last few weeks but he should return from a finger injury this weekend.

“Made a good start in his first year, trained pretty well over the pre-season, unfortunately broke his finger in a game. We’re continually looking for him to establish himself at league level and work on that versatility he’s had at both ends of the ground. Work on craft in all areas can become a valuable player.” – Trent Hentschel

Dan Houston

Despite pre-season groin problems, Houston returned to play six games earlier this year. Has kicked five goals this season and shown promise in terms of his work rate and intensity.

“He’s really clean with the ball and makes good decisions. For him we would like to see him work on the contested side of his game and continue making a contribution across half forward.” – Trent Hentschel

Aidyn Johnson

Johnson brings speed and intensity as a player learning the rigours of playing a pressure forward role. A hamstring injury has kept him to just three games this season, although he should return for the second half this weekend.

“Really early on it will be about regaining confidence in his body and getting. He’s tough for his size and loves to hunt opposition.” – Trent Hentschel

Jesse Palmer

Has come a long way in two seasons, and now features regularly in the Magpies’ midfield. A consistent and reliable performer for the Magpies, who can find the footy and revels in contested.  Reliable in contested and has moved into the midfield.

“Has made significant improvement to start this year. Has shifted into the midfield and done really well there. Has found real consistency for us.” – Trent Hentschel