Port Adelaide went down to reigning premiers Woodville West-Torrens by four points in their first pre-season game, however impressed in their performance. Image: Brandon Hancock.

PORT ADELAIDE might have gone down in its first SANFL trial at the weekend but coach Matthew Lokan was pleased to see plans from training come out in the game.

The SANFL group lost by four points to reigning premier Woodville-West Torrens in a game which spanned six terms and saw the Magpies hit the post with two late shots – one after the final siren.

Lokan said while it was not a complete performance, he was happy to see his side fight back after a first-half deficit and more importantly to see players carry out team plans.

“You’re always a little bit unsure about whether you’re going to be able to transfer what you’ve been training into a game but I think that was the most pleasing thing for us,” the coach told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“We had so many new guys, especially the new contracted guys to our program and they were able to step in and implement the game-style that we wanted to practice.

“Sure, we made lots of mistakes with the ball and we’ve got some things we need to tidy up, but on a whole, I thought our guys were great and they played the brand of footy that we want them to play.”

A number of players stood out to coach Matthew Lokan, assisting to carry out game plans practiced at training. Image: Loukas Founten.

The Eagles used a combination of their League and Reserves sides across the six stanzas and after taking control early, saw their lead evaporate as the game went on.

Along with the performances of some of the new SANFL contracted players, Lokan was pleased that his side was able to battle it out across the longer format match, even with Trent Dumont (concussion), Trent Burgoyne (managed) and Taj Schofield (rolled ankle) sitting out periods of the contest.

“The continuity of being able to play together longer helps with your connection and being able to play better,” Lokan explained.

“The Eagles had probably their better side in the first three quarters but I thought our guys were able to really compete and over the next couple of weeks, just being able to train and play together will really help our program.

“I really liked Brayden Kirk and what he’s brought to our program, Anthony Wilson is classy, Nick Moore was really strong through the midfield and a couple of our younger guys who haven’t been with us before in Mac Nield and Aidan Turner were able to come in and provide some spark in the second half.”

Of the AFL-listed players, Sam Skinner commanded the backline in his first hit-out in the prison bars while Lokan said Schofield was good across the middle and Trent McKenzie, Ollie Lord and Dylan Williams worked into the game.

“That’s what we wanted from the game was to give those AFL-listed guys a chance to get some game time, play well and push their name for AFL selection,” he said.

“Now we’ll look to work hard and improve as we build towards the start of the season.”

Port Adelaide expects to have further trial games against North Adelaide and the Crows during the pre-season before opening the 2022 SANFL season with a Showdown at Adelaide Oval on Friday 1 April at 4:10pm.