RETURNING Port Adelaide spearhead Charlie Dixon was delighted to get through his first match back unscathed despite his side going down to Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday afternoon.
Dixon booted a goal on top of 10 touches, two tackles and two marks in his return at a wet and wintery Alberton Oval.
Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au post-game, Dixon said he was pleased to get through the tough game at SANFL level.
“It was frustrating conditions, but it's good to get through and the ankle is still a little bit proppy,” he said.
“But, to get through and get in some contests has been really good."
The big key forward has played several memorable games in the famous prison bars in front of strong Alberton crowds and the Port faithful again got behind his return to football.
Dixon converted his first major back in front of the Bob Quinn Grandstand and celebrated emphatically for the endearing fans, who he thanked for their support.
“It was good (to get the first goal under his belt), I would've liked to kick a few more but it was good to get that one out of the way,” he said.
“It's always good here and with the games I have played (at Alberton Oval), they've always turned up in spades and showed me heaps of support.
“So, it's been good and thank you to them.”
Port Adelaide takes on North Melbourne in the AFL next week, while in the SANFL, there is a league-wide bye for the state game against Western Australia.
With that in mind, Dixon is happy with what the coaches opt to do at the selection table for the week ahead.
“We'll see what happens this week, I know the SANFL boys have got a bye this weekend,” he said.
“I'll do whatever the coaches want me to do and see how it pulls up tomorrow, which is key as well and go from there.”
Magpies coach Matthew Lokan echoed his comments and said training and game minutes are vital for Dixon and the coaches were keeping a greater eye on his ability to get through the game unscathed rather than kick a big bag of goals.
“He got through, which is really positive for us,” he said.
“We knew that he was going to need the run, he hasn't played for a long period of time.
“I think if you asked Charlie how he played, he wouldn't say he had a huge impact on the game and I probably thought the same, but it was great for him to get through and what happens from here will happen.
“It's important for him to get minutes in training and regardless of whether he's able to play a game or plays in the AFL or has a week off, he just needs to be out on the track and continue to build his fitness for whatever happens in the next few weeks.”
On Friday night, Todd Marshall and Jeremy Finlayson combined for five goals and Dixon said he’s keen to contribute to their solid form when he returns to the AFL line-up.
“The boys are looking really strong in the minute and I'm looking forward to being able to see how I fit in that into that and trying to contribute in any way I can,” he said.
