The Bedge wrote:Is Port really travelling as bad as 0-5 looks?
Round 1 pushed Brisbane, copped fair few injuries and dropped a lead to lose by 11 points.
Round 2 got smacked up pretty bad by a Hawks side that have now won 3/5 and claimed the scalp of Geelong as well
Round 3 lost after the siren to the Crows despite dominating scoring shots. Crows then did a number on Richmond on the weekend, and two of their losses less than a goal.. perhaps they're better than they get credit for.
Round 4 struggled against Melbourne, still had 16 scoring shots and kept them to only 10 goals for the match - their lowest score for the seaosn.
Round 5 fought back from a 50 point deficit, had a chance to win, once again forward craft cost them against a youthful Carlton side who have now won 4/5.
Obviously all sides cop injuries, but the absence of Dixon has hurt, Lycett and Wines out on the weekend was very noticeable, and definitely missing McKenzie.
On another note, I know I haven't been his biggest fan, but how long can Marshall continue to get a game? For a key forward he's kicked 6 goals this year - 5 against the Crows.. He struggles to take contested marks, looks soft as butter, and gets smacked as a chop out ruck.
Finlayson was terrible on the weekend as well - who drops uncontested chest marks FFS?
Your right in that its not as bad it looks but I would say its the overall situation that is the level of concern.
When was the last time a preliminary finalist started the following year 0-5, and how often has it happened.
Throw in the common thought they are coming to the 'end of their window' and the question marks already hanging over Hinkley.
Lets be honest if they go on to finish an admiral 6th-8th its still a far cry from what their 'realistic goal' of winning the flag. Yeah I know only one team can win it etc but truth be told only 3-4 teams a year are genuinely a chance so when you are one of them and don't win it the hurt is greater.
The Port premiership dream for their fans has pretty much been dashed inside the first five weeks.