Port Adelaide must become less reliant on Charlie Dixon in attack this season, says SEN host Dwayne Russell.
Dixon’s contested marking ability, supply of goals and physical presence makes him an almost indispensable member of Port’s side from a structural perspective.
The 31-year-old key forward could be set for a delayed start to 2022 after he tore ligaments in his left ankle during a training drill last Friday.
The Power released a statement on Monday confirming that Dixon, the club’s leading goalkicker over the past two seasons, will be in a moonboot for the short term while he consults a surgeon.
Russell says the onus is on Todd Marshall and Mitch Georgiades to lead the Power in attack if Dixon was to miss the start of the year.
“I think Port Adelaide in some ways have become too Charlie Dixon reliant,” he told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“If they don’t find some other weapons outside of Charlie Dixon, then they’re in trouble.
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“If Charlie Dixon is out for a month to start the season, then it might actually be good for Port Adelaide for Todd Marshall or Mitch Georgiades or one of those guys to be the next guy, because they need someone to be the next guy.
“As good as Charlie Dixon is, we know his level.
“They need to find other avenues and then when Charlie Dixon comes back, he’s one of those avenues.”
Georgiades, 20, kicked 32 goals in a breakout 2021 season, while Marshall chipped in with a career-high 24 majors.
Like Dixon, Power small forward Orazio Fantasia will also consult a surgeon regarding ongoing issues with his right knee.