TonyK
CibbuanoPort will switch focus to the future
June 22nd 2008 23:03
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams has conceded his side has no hope of playing in the finals following their heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at AAMI Stadium.
Last season's beaten grand finalist now sit 2½ games out of the top eight heading into the split round.
"As for making the finals, I officially call that off," he said.
"It's a very empty feeling, but that's the truth and that's where we sit.
"We as a club are all completely disappointed and shattered by the results."
Williams said the loss to Richmond was the final straw and it was time to make some tough decisions about some of the club's senior players.
"We will certainly start taking a long-term view on selection, which may or may not mean that older players don't play," he said.
"Right now is a little bit emotional and close to the result to come to that, but we must make sure we know exactly our list at the end of the year, and exactly who we keep and who we don't.
"We're pretty firm and focused on the fact we are going to give people opportunities to develop."
Port is expected to send some injured senior players in for surgery, and Williams said the club would now focus on developing younger players.
"What you do is you continually look at picking the absolute best side to make the finals; now we're picking the absolute best side for us in two or three years' time," Williams said.
"So that's the balance and we're not walking away from that."
Last season's beaten grand finalist now sit 2½ games out of the top eight heading into the split round.
"As for making the finals, I officially call that off," he said.
"It's a very empty feeling, but that's the truth and that's where we sit.
"We as a club are all completely disappointed and shattered by the results."
Williams said the loss to Richmond was the final straw and it was time to make some tough decisions about some of the club's senior players.
"We will certainly start taking a long-term view on selection, which may or may not mean that older players don't play," he said.
"Right now is a little bit emotional and close to the result to come to that, but we must make sure we know exactly our list at the end of the year, and exactly who we keep and who we don't.
"We're pretty firm and focused on the fact we are going to give people opportunities to develop."
Port is expected to send some injured senior players in for surgery, and Williams said the club would now focus on developing younger players.
"What you do is you continually look at picking the absolute best side to make the finals; now we're picking the absolute best side for us in two or three years' time," Williams said.
"So that's the balance and we're not walking away from that."
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