TRAVIS BOAK likes the look of two promising Power players - Dougal Howard and Darcy Byrne-Jones - in 2016.
Asked by News Corp at the AFL's annual captains day as to who were the Port players to watch out for in 2016, Boak said Howard and Byrne-Jones's work through the pre-season had left them in prime position to contest for spots on the field.
Howard was drafted to the Power in 2014 and played half a season in the SANFL last year.
With Paddy Ryder suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Howard will look to keep in top shape this year as back-up for the Power's mature ruck stocks.
"I’ve been super impressed with what he’s been able to do as a second-year player and as a ruckman-tall forward, who usually take a while to come on.
"What he’s been able to do so far this pre-season has been outstanding and hopefully he can carry that into the regular season."
Byrne-Jones is entering his third year on the Power's list on the back of a consistent second season in the SANFL.
Boak says his pace and on-field aggression are important assets for the medium defender.
"He’s a really quick defender and smart defender who likes to take the game on," Boak said.
"His aggression has gone to another level and I think he’s starting to understand and feel his place in the club and his side.
"Hopefully he gets a game and can blossom his career.”
Darcy Byrne-Jones in action in 2015 [pic: Chris Kelly]
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