The player Port Adelaide must drop, according to Kane Cornes

Kane Cornes says coach Ken Hinkley must act following the Power’s loss to Essendon and omit a star defender.

“It’s time for out of contract defender Jasper Pittard to return to the lower level and find form and confidence after struggling to replicate his stellar 2016 season,” Kane wrote in The Advertiser.

“Pittard has recently been linked to a move to North Melbourne at season’s end and the uncertainty over his future could be affecting his on-field performance.”

Kane said Dan Houston was the “obvious replacement” for Pittard, and called out other players in the team whose spots he said are in doubt.

“Jimmy Tompas and Brendon Ah Chee also appear likely to lose their place in the team as a number of Port Magpies including Joe Atley, Jake Neade, Jesse Palmer and Aaron Young, fresh off 36 disposals and five goals against West Adelaide on Sunday, will push for selection.”

Insisting “it is not the time for panic at Alberton”, Kane called on Hinkley to alter how the coach is using stars Jackson Trengove and Travis Boak:

“Hinkley has persisted with playing Jackson Trengove as a key forward, but the time is right to abandon that experiment and return him to his preferred position in defence,” Kane wrote.

“Trengove’s aggression and leadership will settle the inexperienced backline and allow impressive defender Tom Clurey to match-up on opposition forwards that are reflective of his size.

“Captain Travis Boak appears to be struggling to adapt to his new role as a high half forward. His three kicks on Saturday night were his lowest return since round two of 2015.

“Boak is a genuine midfielder and would relish more time working in tandem with inform ruckman Paddy Ryder at the stoppages. Boak is the captain for a reason and his leadership and hardness is required in the middle of the ground.”

MOST POPULAR

GEELONG COACH MAKES A BIG CALL ON THE ADELAIDE CROWS

REPORT — THIS YEAR’S AFL GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT IS LOCKED IN