Captain stands out uniquely during star’s scare; ‘assertive’ Port reveals lackluster Freo: 3-2-1
Port Adelaide star Zak Butters remains optimistic about his availability for Round 1, despite suffering an injury scare during the Power’s convincing pre-season victory against Fremantle.
Butters encountered the setback during the first quarter while maneuvering through a stoppage, landing awkwardly on the turf at Alberton Oval and subsequently leaving the field. As a precautionary measure, the Power sidelined Butters for the remainder of the game due to a sprained ankle.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley emphasized the importance of prioritizing Butters’ well-being, stating, “He rolled his ankle, so we took him out. We didn’t want to take a risk; he’s not the sort of player you want to mess around with.”
Although Butters missed 13 weeks in 2021 due to a syndesmosis issue on his opposite ankle, he expressed hopefulness about his readiness for Port Adelaide’s Round 1 clash against West Coast in just over two weeks. Reflecting on the incident post-match, Butters attributed the injury to a moment of carelessness and highlighted the forthcoming days’ rest to aid his recovery.
Despite the injury setback, the Power maintained their momentum throughout the game, ultimately securing a 39-point victory over the Dockers. Port Adelaide dominated proceedings, particularly in the second and third quarters, where they outscored Fremantle and kept them scoreless, respectively.
Captain Connor Rozee showcased exceptional performance, accumulating a game-high 15 disposals in the first half and contributing significantly to Port Adelaide’s midfield dominance. Additionally, newcomers Willie Rioli and Jason Horne-Francis made notable contributions, with Rioli netting three goals and Horne-Francis displaying prowess in the midfield.
Conversely, Fremantle struggled to match Port Adelaide’s intensity and aggressive ball movement throughout the game. David King noted the Dockers’ lackluster performance, emphasizing their inability to defend against Port Adelaide’s swift transitions and their own stagnant ball movement.
Despite the Power’s commanding display, questions arose about the effectiveness of the defensive partnership between Aliir Aliir and Esava Ratugolea. While both players demonstrated promise, the true test of their compatibility will unfold over the course of the season.
In summary, Port Adelaide’s victory provided glimpses of promise for the upcoming season, but questions remain regarding the team’s defensive strategies and Butters’ recovery timeline ahead of Round 1.
