Power switched on

Sporting News Logo

Port Adelaide interim coach Matthew Primus has applauded his side's ability to turn in a hard-fought, four-quarter performance, claiming it was decisive in the Power's 19-point victory over the Crows at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Primus said he was impressed by the Power's resilience in holding off Adelaide, who mounted a final quarter comeback by kicking four goals and narrowing the margin to under three goals.

The caretaker coach stated it had been a long time since Port had fielded a similar display and it is exactly what the Power faithful have been crying for.

"The boys' willingness and intensity to compete for four quarters," he said.

"I mentioned it during the week. We tried to pick a 22 that were going to able to do that and we would make changes until we got that."

"It was a real arm-wrestle tonight. Both teams were set up well defensively. The last quarter they came out pretty hard but the boys' effort to be able to hang in there and play four quarters which is what our members, supporters and sponsors would have been looking for and that's what been missing the last nine weeks."

Primus declared though, that Port Adelaide must continue to win and finish the season strongly or the 19-point Showdown victory could become meaningless.

The former captain said the nine-game winless run had taken its toll on the club and hopes the third victory over Adelaide this year would act as motivation for Port to climb out of its low ladder position.

"The club was in a hole for nine weeks and that's a long losing streak," he said.

"It was burning in everyone's stomach I suppose... It's probably come at a good time and another motivating factor that we can use."

"Sometimes it gets hard to get yourself out of a rut and you have to find something to spark yourself and we were able to find this. It doesn't mean too much if you let the season meander along and you don't produce again."

Primus acknowledged there were many factors that had contributed to the win but highlighted an increase in belief within the group since Mark Williams' last game a fortnight ago against the Pies, the Showdown hype and Josh Carr's final match.

"The belief they got out of each other, they showed that for a fair bit against Collingwood," he said.

"Add that to a Showdown too, they lifted a bit and Josh Carr certainly has a huge influence on our group on and off the field and they lifted a bit there for Josh too."

The win was even more significant for the interim coach with Primus' first victory coming after only his second game in charge.

Primus admitted the role of senior coach is more than difficult but it has only fuelled his desire to win the role permanently next season.

"It's bloody hard. It was a tough night in the box. It reinforces that it is what I want to do," he said.

Author(s)