PORT Adelaide's 57-point thumping over North Adelaide on Sunday was built on an unrelenting attack in the midfield says SANFL coach Chad Cornes.
The Magpies never looked in doubt at Prospect Oval and, even after three quick goals to North that gave the home side a glimmer of hope in the third term, Mitchell stepped up to help Port mount on the scoreboard pressure.
Cornes lauded Lobbe's performance - 19 disposals and 48 hit-outs - and Mitchell's standout game where he gathered 44 disposals.
“Last week when we got challenged, we didn’t really respond until it was too late and we spoke about if they did get a run on, what we could do about it and the boys executed it well,” Cornes said.
"One player that I really singled out was Matty Lobbe.
"I thought his effort all day was outstanding.
"To ruck by himself, except for when he had to come off for a blood rule, was a bit of a risk.
"But he couldn't have played any better.
"Mitch comes back with a great attitude.
"That's something I put on him before the game, to lead the way with his enthusiasm, get the boys up and about and he always does try and create the energy."
Nearing the end of a tough first year at the helm with his side sitting sixth and needing to win the remaining two games and have other results fall their way to play finals, Cornes said finishing the season strongly with a solid attitude was his number one priority.
He said the loss to Glenelg earlier in the season still burned and urged his players to come out firing next weekend.
"Play the game as you see it. Bring the energy. Bring the toughness," Cornes said.
"I am looking forward to the fight and really building on this performance ... bringing that energy, bringing that toughness."
Port Adelaide plays Glenelg at the Glenelg Oval on Saturday 13 August at 1.40pm.
