Dwayne Russell is bullish about Port Adelaide’s prospects in 2024.
While the Power finished third after the home and away campaign in 2023, they were bundled out in straight sets of finals with defeats to Brisbane and GWS in September.
That finals performance made many doubt whether the Power can really contend this time around, but Russell is certain they’ll improve in 2024.
Russell sees that improvement coming off the back of a busy trade period and he thinks that they could easily win the flag if thing go their way this campaign.
“They’ll make the eight. They could win the whole thing, Port,” Russell told SEN SA The Run Home.
“Collingwood target recruited last year when they knew they had problems, they went and got three or four players to play in the spots that they needed to be filled and it worked well for them.
“Look at Bobby Hill, we could rattle off a couple of them … and now Port Adelaide’s done the same, they got two key defenders and two rucks. So, why wouldn’t they go better?”
Much like Collingwood did ahead of 2023, Port Adelaide recruited for needs ahead of 2024 and Russell thinks that Esava Ratugolea and Ivan Soldo in particular will do well to replace retired duo Tom Jonas and Scott Lycett.
While other teams will also improve, Russell is supremely confident in Ken Hinkley’s side and has them locks for finals again.
“I agree with you that the middle group is tough, but I don't have Port Adelaide in the middle group,” Russell said.
“I have them in the top six. I have them in the ‘Locks’ group. I think they'll get better this year.
“In the finals last year they did lack a ruck. Scott Lycett going down was a big cost to them.
“Tom Jonas had a great career but it wasn't quite there at the end for him and they desperately needed to go and get Esava Ratugolea.
“I think they've done well by getting Zerk-Thatcher, Ratugolea and by getting Ivan Soldo who's a really good ruck, you don't need to be paying overs for a ruck.
“There's a couple of other teams that will improve … but Port Adelaide's gone and target recruited well I think.”
Port Adelaide begin their 2024 season proper with a Round 1 clash against West Coast at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, March 17.
