There are some pundits around the country who are forecasting that Port Adelaide could possibly slide in 2024.
Among them are former GWS captain Phil Davis who admits he has some concerns for Ken Hinkley’s side.
Footy fans in general are also expecting a drop-off of sorts for Port with over 15 per cent of people who took part in SEN’s AFL fan survey indicating they’ll be one of three 2023 finalists to slide.
But they have a supporter in Nathan Buckley who is bullish that the Power can again finish in the top four.
He outlined the reasons why he feels Hinkley and his men can contend in 2024 despite their straight sets finals exit last year.
“They’re a top four side as far as I’m concerned, I think we underrate them,” the Collingwood great said on SEN Breakfast.
“We think that they’re going to drop off. It’s not just (Connor) Rozee, (Zak) Butters and (Jason) Horne-Francis to me.
“I think (Dan) Houston - obviously an All-Australian - he’s a gun. I think (Miles) Bergman’s on his way up. I think young (Dylan) Williams off half-back is a really good player.
“They’ve got a lot of small forwards that do a lot of damage and they’ve got some young keys.
“I think they’ve recruited as well as any, and I think that they've got the wherewithal to be able to stay as a top four side.”
One player who many see as a key ingredient for Port is veteran forward Charlie Dixon.
While he is an important player, their success will not solely rely on his presence according Ito Buckley.
“I’m not fearful for Port Adelaide’s form or prospects this year relating to Charlie Dixon’s availability the same way I would have been in the last five years,” Buckley added.
“I think that they now have players that can come in and replace him. They’ve had to deal with him away often enough that they can actually buffer his loss if he’s not there.
“Ollie Lord really stood up, I like him as a young player and he can be a beacon for the down-the-line kick. I think he can compete really well. In his short time he’s shown enough and stood up really well in a final last year.
“I also think Todd Marshall is a player that is ready to pop. He’s just shy of 100 games, I think he’s an elite forward. He’s as consistent as anyone. Doesn’t get a lot of the ball but he’s a great kick at goal.
“So I don’t have any fears for Port Adelaide if Charlie Dixon isn't available.”
Kane Cornes feels that anything they get out of Dixon will be a bonus, but one thing that will change in 2024 is that the 33-year-old won’t have to spend any time in the ruck following the recruitment of Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet.
“If you can get 15 games out of Charlie Dixon, and he can support those young players, then that’s a bonus,” he added.
“What he won’t be forced to do this year is go in the ruck.”
Buckley continued: “So Soldo’s recruitment, I think, has been brilliant.
“Apart from (Dante) Visentini, they’ve basically swapped their whole ruck division out. So Soldo and Sweet come in, and Soldo has played a really important role for Richmond over his time and if he gets a consistent year with injury, then he’s going to make them better.”
Buckley also likes the addition of Esava Ratugolea in defence.
He believes the former Cat can play a pivotal role which will allow his teammates to flourish.
“I think Ratugolea, more so than (Brandon) Zerk-Thatcher, his recruitment means that he goes and plays on the big forward of the opposition. It’s not so much about what he’s going to do as a player,” he added.
“I think what Ben McKay will do for Essendon as Brad Scott has discussed, I think Ratugolea does that for Port Adelaide. And that is to allow (Aliir) Aliir to go and play his primary role, which is as either a second or a third defender, which allows him to come and intercept a little bit more often.”
The Power will meet Adelaide in a practice match at Alberton this Friday before taking on Fremantle at the same venue in the AAMI Community Series on March 1.
They kick off the 2024 season proper against West Coast at the Adelaide Oval on March 17.