Port Adelaide Power footballer John McCarthy in action. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: adelaidenow
PORT Adelaide midfielder Hamish Hartlett has revealed John McCarthy's tragic death has "galvanised" the playing group.
Set to play their first match since McCarthy's shock passing in September, Power players will be permitted to honour their former team-mate against the Western Bulldogs in London tomorrow morning.
While the exhibition match at The Oval isn't an official commemoration for McCarthy, Hartlett says the talented utility's spirit remained strong at Alberton.
"There's no doubt," said Hartlett, when asked if Port players would be sparing a thought for McCarthy before their clash with the Dogs.
"The guys have been thinking about him a fair bit. Not a day goes by that one of us isn't thinking about him in some capacity. There's no doubt it has galvanised the group.
"If players want to wear armbands or make a tribute to him they are certainly able to do that."
Charged with being Port's acting captain, Hartlett - embarking on his first pre-season without off-season surgery - is eager to make a good early impression on new coach Ken Hinkley.
"Ideally I would love to get up the ground a little bit more," said Hartlett, who played as a playmaking half-back this year.
"But to play a role, no matter where that is, I'm happy to swing in any of those lines whether it be up forward, in the midfield or in the backline."
Now with 46 AFL games under his belt in four seasons, Hartlett recognises the time to take the next step has arrived.
And by getting a head-start on summer training with team-mate Matthew Lobbe, the 22-year-old is giving himself every chance to deliver on his enormous potential.
"I've spent two or three weeks over here prior to the rest of the team getting here with Matt," Hartlett said.
"He's unbelievably diligent in his training and is fantastic to have around. It's been a frustrating first two or three years. The last couple of years have been a little bit better in terms of being able to get on the park a bit more. But not only for myself, there's a whole bunch of guys in the same category, wanting to take the next step."
Port has named a youthful 23-man squad, with recruits Angus Monfries, Jack Hombsch and Campbell Heath all set to don a Power guernsey for the first time.
Forgotten midfielder Ben Newton, who has struggled with soft-tissue injuries in his two years at Port, will be given plenty of chance to shine while Nick Salter (foot) and Cameron Hitchcock (hamstring) have an opportunity to prove they've recovered from persistent ailments.
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