PORT ADELAIDE rounded out its pre-season preparations with a 37-point win over Adelaide in the AAMI Community Series on Saturday afternoon.

Ken Hinkley’s men took some time to reach full speed, but in the end, it was a comfortable result befitting a clash between a rebuilding side and one with premiership aspirations.

To be fair, pre-season fixtures are generally less about the results as coaches and teams hone in on the processes and structures they hope will push them towards success when the real deal rolls around.

And despite the humble surrounds of Richmond Oval, with its inner west industrial feel and a modest crowd in attendance, one tall, agile and straight kicking Power forward was soaking in the atmosphere.

“It was amazing in front of the Port fans here,” Finlayson told portadelaidefc.com.au after the match.

“I’ve come from the Giants so to see how many Port fans there were here (for a pre-season game), it was just amazing to be out there with the boys.

“The first actual hit-out in Port gear for me, it was amazing.”

Finlayson made the move to Alberton during the trade period as he and partner Kellie sought to move closer to family after the birth of their first daughter.

Power footy boss Chris Davies said Port would always entertain recruiting talented players seeking to return to South Australia, but some pundits questioned where the former Giant would fit in a forward line already boasting the tall talent of All-Australian Charlie Dixon, high-flier Mitch Georgiades and the skilful Todd Marshall.

But with Dixon currently nursing an injured ankle, Port’s forward has had to fast track Finlayson’s transition into its best 22 and he could not be more eager for the challenge.

“Obviously, we’re learning new things out there, new game plans and the boys really showed that (improvement) in the second half. I can’t be more excited,” he explained.

“With Charlie going down, he’s probably the main man down there, but it’s just really exciting with all the young blokes down there that we’re all gelling.

“We showed in the second half that when we gel, obviously we’re all young, but the Port fans should be really excited.

“Toddy and Mitch, they’re going to be superstars and I can’t wait to play alongside them.

“Then you’ve got (Zak) Butters, Boaky (Travis Boak) and (Ollie) Wines come down there as resting mids, I’ve never been in a team like this (with so much depth).”

And gel they did indeed, with Port’s tall timber combining for eight of the team’s 17 goals against the Crows, Finlayson contributing three major scores himself and taking the most shots at goal of anyone on the ground.

Now the smooth-moving big man is hoping his form can carry over to an official club debut at the Gabba in two weeks’ time.

“I’m really excited. Hopefully the Port fans can get down to Brisbane and cheer us on,” he said.

“I can’t wait for Round 1. We’ve just slogged it out in the pre-season and starting a new year with a new team, I’m very excited and I can’t wait for the year ahead – bring it on.”

While a Round 1 debut against the Lions remains his primary objective, having tasted a Showdown appetiser, Finlayson can’t help but let his mind wander to Round 3 and the first official edition of Australian football’s biggest rivalry for the season.

“I actually had dinner at (former Giants teammate and Crow) Sam Jacobs’ house during the week,” he said with a laugh.

“I couldn’t say too much in case he said something (to people at Adelaide), but he was talking about the rivalry.

“Even when I was playing up in Sydney you could see it’s a massive Showdown and now to be a part of it through the season, I get goosebumps talking about it

“I can’t wait. Bring on the year.”