Terry Wallace has turned his list management expertise to Port Adelaide after a “spasmodic” year where they unveiled a host of “exciting young talent” but failed to make the eight.
The Power missed the finals for the second year running and Wallace believes this trend could continue as a lot of the club’s older players transition out.
“Many were confused with their list management strategy over two-year period,” Wallace said on Telstra AFL Trade Radio.
“Bringing in senior players in the 2018 season and then shedding senior players for picks last year.
“They have too many older players on their books and they need to cull. 13 players; 28 plus years of age next year is way too many in my opinion.”
While the Power did show promise through the likes of Connor Rozee and Xavier Duursma, they lack quality in key areas that are seeing the likes of Richmond and GWS experience more success.
“Darcy Byrne-Jones had a real breakout year and while Riley Bonner and Hamish Hartlett provide assistance, I still don’t believe they have the quality of run and carry and ball use from the back half that is as good as some of the other clubs,” Wallace said.
“I still think that they need outside run and ball use, whether that’s at half back or definitely through the middle of the ground. That half-back kicker I’d like but run and carry through the middle … I still think they need a little bit.”
The List Manager doesn’t see the Power gaining ground on the current top eight teams, with the side currently hanging around the tenth position with regularity.
“I just can not see how you’ll make up the ground on most of the finalists,” Wallace added.
“Of course, the kids will continue to improve but I’m not confident there is enough improvement in the 28 plus year olds.”
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Listen to Terry Wallace analysis of Port Adelaide in the player below: