Wade Thompson handed Power debut - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Wade Thompson handed Power debut

By Daniel Brettig 10/04/2009 04:05:44 PM Comments (0)

Port Adelaide will hand a debut to Wade Thompson against Melbourne in an AFL match the Power must win well to ease rumblings of player dissatisfaction.

Power coach Mark Williams brushed off suggestions of discontent on Friday, describing the review of the round two West Coast game as no more outspoken than after any loss.

But there is little doubt Port's players would be a happier bunch if there was a stronger sense that every individual put in the same level of effort to chase, tackle and "get their knees dirty", something that clearly did not happen against the Eagles.

"We're not satisfied with being mediocre or up and down in our consistency, so a few words were discussed in regards to that," said Williams.

"Defence is something to do with it, but the attack on the ball and the chasing of the blokes who've got the ball, we'd like to think we can improve.

"Dean Brogan's back, that was a big change from one week to the other, it's hard to quantify exactly.

"But I thought (Brendon) Lade beat (Dean) Cox in the centre square but what happened with the ball and where it went, and anyone scrambling to get their knees dirty in between, we didn't have enough of that, and Dean will create a bit of spillage in there and that will be good for us."

Thompson's inclusion is a partial admission of the lack of pressure applied, for his tackling and chasing were as much a reason for his rapid elevation from the rookie list as his flamboyant skills and keen eye for the goal front.

"Wade will be playing for sure, he was desperately unlucky to miss out on the first game so we're really happy to play him, he'll be starting and an exciting time for him and the club," Williams said.

"He's a goal-kicker, he puts a lot of pressure on in the forward line and his running ability has really improved.

"No doubt there's some reaction to that given we saw him do it all pre-season and we weren't happy with it last week, so it's something to do with that and the guys know if they're not going to do that they won't be playing."

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