MACRON STORIES

Port Adelaide's Depth Ready to Step Up Amid Dan Houston's Tribunal Hearing

Port Adelaide's assistant coach, Tyson Goldsack, has expressed confidence in the club's depth to fill any gaps left by defender Dan Houston, who is facing a tribunal hearing following a bump on Adelaide's Izak Rankine during the recent Showdown victory.

At a press conference on Monday, Goldsack emphasized the club's ongoing support for Houston while acknowledging the team's readiness to adapt to potential changes in the backline. He also provided insights into the team's recent defensive performance, the condition of ruck Jordon Sweet after an elbow injury, and their preparation for the upcoming match against Fremantle, a crucial game for the Dockers' finals aspirations.

Tyson Goldsack on Dan Houston's Tribunal Hearing:

"Dan has taken a day off to gather himself ahead of the tribunal. It's important for us to support him through this process. We hope Izak is okay, and Dan has reached out to ensure his well-being. As a club, our focus is on supporting Dan through this challenging time," Goldsack stated.

He continued, "The incident was unintended, a split-second decision in a fast-paced game. We felt a day off would help Dan recover both physically and mentally before rejoining the team."

Potential Replacements for Houston:

Goldsack highlighted the team's depth, mentioning Ryan Burton, who shifted to defense during the weekend's game, and other potential candidates like Josh Sinn and Dyl Williams. "We have players ready to step up and fill the void. While finding someone of Dan's caliber is challenging, we trust our squad to adapt," he added.

Defensive Performance Since Round 16:

Reflecting on the team's defensive improvements, Goldsack noted, "We've tightened our defensive strategies since mid-year, particularly post-Brisbane game. Our second-half performances have been strong, allowing us to control games and maintain scoring pressure."

Jordon Sweet's Elbow Injury:

Discussing ruck Jordon Sweet's condition, Goldsack said, "Jordon's feeling sore but optimistic. He had a strong game against Reilly O'Brien, and we'll give him time to recover. His confidence is growing with each match, and he's been a solid performer for us."

Addressing Inaccuracy in the Showdown:

Goldsack acknowledged the team's shooting challenges, attributing them to Adelaide's defensive pressure. "Despite the pressure, we managed to stabilize and finish strong, which boosts our confidence moving forward," he remarked.

Preparation for Fremantle:

Looking ahead to the Fremantle clash, Goldsack emphasized consistency in preparation. "We've faced teams hungry for victory, whether for finals or pride. Our focus remains on playing our brand of football, regardless of the opponent's situation," he explained.

Support for Willie Rioli:

Goldsack also addressed the issue of online racist abuse directed at Willie Rioli, stating, "I haven't spoken to Willie today, but it's a societal issue we must address. There's no place for such behavior in football or life."