Port Adelaide gamers really feel a way of obligation to ship a powerful AFL season for coach Ken Hinkley, captain Tom Jonas says.
The Power underperformed final 12 months once they began 0-5 and missed the top-eight, having misplaced preliminary finals in every of the earlier two campaigns.
The shortcomings introduced loads of warmth on Hinkley, whose current contract runs out on the finish of 2023.
But Hinkley, who has been on the helm for 10 seasons, has set the bar excessive this 12 months, declaring Port’s present listing the strongest he has had at his disposal.
The daring name has ensured the 56-year-old will once more be within the highlight once more because the Power search a finals return.
“Kenny’s been totally professional with the way that he always deals with the pressure that he gets put under,” Jonas informed AAP.
“He offers with it like a champion.
“We’d love to offer Kenny an excellent 12 months of footy and training so he can actually get pleasure from his time.
“It’s certainly a lot more fun when you’re winning games of footy and it makes the place a lot better to be around for everyone involved.”
The Power bolstered their listing through the low season with the acquisition of former No.1 draft choose Jason Horne-Francis from North Melbourne and West Coast premiership ahead Junior Rioli.
Horne-Francis, 19, has impressed Port teammates since recovering from surgical procedure to restore debilitating ache in his calves, and appears able to set the competitors alight.
“His pre-season games have been really promising,” Jonas mentioned.
“We’re really liking what we’re seeing with what he does with the ball, but also the amount of care he shows for his team.”
The Power host Brisbane at Adelaide Oval in spherical one, determined to get off to a constructive begin towards a real premiership contender.
The Lions high-powered midfield, led by Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, recruit Josh Dunkley and growth draft choose Will Ashcroft, presents an enormous menace.
“It’s a great challenge to have first up because they really set the bar high in terms of contested footy,” Jonas mentioned.
“If we can match them in that space it’s going to bode well for the remainder of the season.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
