TonyK
CibbuanoWesthoff to miss at least six weeks
April 5th 2009 16:23
PORT ADELAIDE will be without forward Justin Westhoff for at least six weeks after he broke his foot in the 50-point loss to West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
The injury appears to be a stress fracture as no contact was made.
The Power could be without two of their most dangerous forwards with Daniel Motlop reported for allegedley striking Eagle Adam Hunter during the third quarter.
The loss of Westhoff and potentially Motlop, who combined for six of their side's 10 goals, compounded a disastrous afternoon for a Port Adelaide side that was completely outclassed by a more committed West Coast outfit.
Port coach Mark Williams admitted his side missed the presence of ruckman Dean Brogan who was suspended for one match for pushing Essendon speedster Andrew Lovett to the ground in round one.
"Without Dean Brogan in the centre square the whole time, I think our first possession numbers were shocking all day," Williams said.
"Dean causes a bit of spillage around the stoppages. I thought (Brendan) Lade did a pretty good job, just head to head with hits, but Dean provides that other stuff around the bottom of the packs (that we missed)."
Williams also said Port wilted under the pressure applied by the Eagles.
“All credit to West Coast, they provided enough heat and enough emotion in the game,” Williams said.
“So whether it was a poor skill error or just perceived pressure on them, our players turned over the ball too many times, especially in our kicking."
The Eagles got the early jump, kicking the first three goals of the match in the opening nine minutes before the Power started to win more of the football and slowly work their way back into the contest.
But they failed to convert in front of goal, booting five straight behinds before Westhoff kicked his side's first at the 22-minute mark of the first term.
"The start of the game was disappointing and we seemed to get jumped early," Williams said.
"I thought we fought back pretty well after the first ten or 15 minutes but if you can't kick straight, pretty easy shots on goals, then you really lack the ability to put any scoreboard pressure on the opposition, so that was poor."
The injury appears to be a stress fracture as no contact was made.
The Power could be without two of their most dangerous forwards with Daniel Motlop reported for allegedley striking Eagle Adam Hunter during the third quarter.
The loss of Westhoff and potentially Motlop, who combined for six of their side's 10 goals, compounded a disastrous afternoon for a Port Adelaide side that was completely outclassed by a more committed West Coast outfit.
Port coach Mark Williams admitted his side missed the presence of ruckman Dean Brogan who was suspended for one match for pushing Essendon speedster Andrew Lovett to the ground in round one.
"Without Dean Brogan in the centre square the whole time, I think our first possession numbers were shocking all day," Williams said.
"Dean causes a bit of spillage around the stoppages. I thought (Brendan) Lade did a pretty good job, just head to head with hits, but Dean provides that other stuff around the bottom of the packs (that we missed)."
Williams also said Port wilted under the pressure applied by the Eagles.
“All credit to West Coast, they provided enough heat and enough emotion in the game,” Williams said.
“So whether it was a poor skill error or just perceived pressure on them, our players turned over the ball too many times, especially in our kicking."
The Eagles got the early jump, kicking the first three goals of the match in the opening nine minutes before the Power started to win more of the football and slowly work their way back into the contest.
But they failed to convert in front of goal, booting five straight behinds before Westhoff kicked his side's first at the 22-minute mark of the first term.
"The start of the game was disappointing and we seemed to get jumped early," Williams said.
"I thought we fought back pretty well after the first ten or 15 minutes but if you can't kick straight, pretty easy shots on goals, then you really lack the ability to put any scoreboard pressure on the opposition, so that was poor."
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