Ex-Bulldogs and Tigers star Nathan Brown has backed Port Adelaide to win the 2021 premiership on the back of what he has claimed is the "best defence" in the AFL.<\/p>\n
Port Adelaide sat atop of the AFL ladder all throughout the home and away season in 2020, but was stopped in its tracks in a thrilling preliminary final by the eventual premiers, Richmond.<\/p>\n
Despite last year's disappointment, Brown was bullish bout Port Adelaide's prospects, claiming that the addition of ex-Swan Aliir Aliir gives Ken Hinkley the best backline in the competition.<\/p>\n
"I think they've got the best defensive end in the competition. Their four tall backs will get the job done most weeks," he told Wide World of Sports.<\/p>\n
"I don't understand why Sydney gave up Aliir Aliir. Every time he was in defence up there, I thought his intercepting work was really good, and he's a good decision-maker by foot.<\/p>\n
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"He just makes them better. Every club wants depth. When you've got players who are playing in the twos who are really good players who would playing seniors at other football clubs, that's what Port Adelaide's going to have this year."<\/p>\n
Brown was also extremely bullish about the addition of former Bomber Orazio Fantasia, who he said should be placed up forward despite spending 2020 in defence.<\/p>\n
With Port Adelaide being a popular pre-season premiership pick, Brown added that the pressure will fall on coach Ken Hinkley to get his talented list firing at the right time.<\/p>\n
"They are ready, Port Adelaide. They have got such a good list at the moment and they are stacked with talent," he said.<\/p>\n
"This is a premiership list, now the coach has to guide them to a premiership. The players need to do their bit, but the pressure comes on the coach."<\/p>\n