TonyK
CibbuanoCripps backs Wilson to bounce back
June 27th 2008 07:56
PORT ADELAIDE veteran Michael Wilson will find it 'difficult' but not impossible to force his way back into the side, according to assistant coach Jason Cripps.
The 31-year-old returned from an Achilles injury in round nine but has failed to have an impact this season.
But Cripps said he was confident that Wilson, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, would find some form in the SANFL and regain his place in the side.
"He's coming back from a significant injury and at his age it's going to be probably difficult for him," Cripps said.
"But the type of person he is and the character he is and because he's so professional and how hard he works on his game, I wouldn't be surprised if he came back into some good form and forced his way back into the side and if that happens I'm sure he'll be here next year."
Port is hoping that ruckman Brendon Lade, who was also drpped for this weekend's game against the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium would find some touch in the SANFL and put pressure on fellow ruckman Fabian Deluca to retain his place in the side.
"He just hasn't been quite able to influence games like he has previously so we just want to give him a bit of break and go back and find some form," he said.
"We need to create that environment where there are still five or six guys underneath that are pushing for selection."
Cripps said that promising young forward Justin Westhoff, who has earnt a recall after being dropped for the match against Richmond would spend more time deeper in attack in a bid to recapture the form he showed in 2007.
"His role had changed but coming back into the side we'd like to think we can play him closer to goal and hopefully get some more goals on the board and get him feeling good about himself," he said.
"He's certainly put a lot of pressure on himself this year and obviously the expectation was he'd come out and kick 40 or 50 goals."
Cripps also dismissed suggestions there was no pressure on the 12th placed Power to perform on Saturday night.
The likes of Damon White, Nathan Lonie, Greg Bentley and Adam Thomson will all be keen to prove their worth to the side ahead of next season.
"Some of those guys know their careers are on the line and they certainly want to prove that they are worthy of having a career with the Port Adelaide footy club," he said
The 31-year-old returned from an Achilles injury in round nine but has failed to have an impact this season.
But Cripps said he was confident that Wilson, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, would find some form in the SANFL and regain his place in the side.
"He's coming back from a significant injury and at his age it's going to be probably difficult for him," Cripps said.
"But the type of person he is and the character he is and because he's so professional and how hard he works on his game, I wouldn't be surprised if he came back into some good form and forced his way back into the side and if that happens I'm sure he'll be here next year."
Port is hoping that ruckman Brendon Lade, who was also drpped for this weekend's game against the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium would find some touch in the SANFL and put pressure on fellow ruckman Fabian Deluca to retain his place in the side.
"He just hasn't been quite able to influence games like he has previously so we just want to give him a bit of break and go back and find some form," he said.
"We need to create that environment where there are still five or six guys underneath that are pushing for selection."
Cripps said that promising young forward Justin Westhoff, who has earnt a recall after being dropped for the match against Richmond would spend more time deeper in attack in a bid to recapture the form he showed in 2007.
"His role had changed but coming back into the side we'd like to think we can play him closer to goal and hopefully get some more goals on the board and get him feeling good about himself," he said.
"He's certainly put a lot of pressure on himself this year and obviously the expectation was he'd come out and kick 40 or 50 goals."
Cripps also dismissed suggestions there was no pressure on the 12th placed Power to perform on Saturday night.
The likes of Damon White, Nathan Lonie, Greg Bentley and Adam Thomson will all be keen to prove their worth to the side ahead of next season.
"Some of those guys know their careers are on the line and they certainly want to prove that they are worthy of having a career with the Port Adelaide footy club," he said
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