Matthew Lokan says the way his squad conducted themselves early in the game was a step in the right direction of how the side wants to play. Image: Matt Sampson.

RUCKMAN Scott Lycett’s return from a long injury layoff was one positive to take out of a disappointing SANFL loss to Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday according to coach Matthew Lokan.

Lycett went down with a dislocated shoulder in the AFL’s side loss to Melbourne on April 7, and had surgery soon after.

The 29-year-old got through the full game against the Eagles – a 13.11 (89) to 4.5 (29) loss at Woodville Oval – but managed 16 disposals, 13 hit-outs and five clearances in an intriguing battle with former Port Adelaide player Jarrad Redden.

Lycett also spent time in the forward line, booting 1.1, pressing his claims for a return to the AFL side for next week’s big game against Melbourne.

“He definitely needed the run,” coach Matthew Lokan said after the game. “We had the luxury of having three rucks in the team, so to be able to flip the (rucks) around a little bit and give him some time in the forward line as well as a little bit of time on the bench was important for Scott.

“I think he pretty much halved the hit-outs with Redden for the game and got five clearances himself, which is positive.”

Scott Lycett enjoyed a successful return to the field after three months on the sidelines. Image: Michael Sullivan.

While the Magpies succumbed by 10 goals in the end, it was a strong start with the opening two goals and a nine-point quarter-time lead.

For Lokan, it was important to see a response following a dismal showing against ladder-leader North Adelaide last week.

“We started well which was really pleasing after last week,” Lokan said.

“We reflected a lot on that and to be able to come out and start the way we did was really pleasing.

“They took away our switch a little bit after quarter time which slowed down our ball movement and we just couldn't get it out of their forward 50 from quarter-time.

“You don't like losing by 10 goals, but I thought the way we conducted ourselves early in the game was a little bit of the way that we want to play and a good learning opportunity for our young guys.”

Young gun Taj Schofield was one of the Magpies' strongest performances, finishing the match with 17 disposals and a goal. Image: Michael Sullivan.

The Eagles’ turned the game after quarter time, in part through the constant offensive threat of Daniel Menzel.

The former Geelong and Sydney forward booted 7.4 in a match-winning performance, and while Lokan paid credit to him, he also singled out young Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord, who transitioned into the backline and took on the big task of trying to keep Menzel at bay.

“Menzel is a class player. It was a great opportunity for Ollie Lord to be able to play in the backline and play on such an experienced guy like him,” Lokan said.

“We ended up making a little bit of a change late, but I thought Ollie, in the one-on-one contests, actually held up his own.

“Dan's so smart and being able to find space and roll off and get the matchup that he wants.

“They've got quality all over the park which perhaps we lack a little bit of at the moment.”

Lokan paid tribute to Nick Moore for battling hard all day, finishing with a game-high 12 tackles to go with three clearances and 15 disposals, while another positive was the debut of father-son prospect Harper Montgomery.

Father-son prospect Harper Montgomery recorded 17 disposals and 6 marks in his debut with the Magpies. Image: Michael Sullivan.

The 18-year-old second son of 2004 premiership player and AFL assistant coach Brett Montgomery racked up 17 touches and four rebound 50s, having previously only played at Under 18 level.

“It's a huge learning curve. He's played college football and under 18 football, so to be able to come out and play against men (was good for him),” Lokan said.

“He finished with 17 disposals and he'll learn a lot from that, it was a good performance for his first game.”

Port Adelaide’s next SANFL game is against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium on Saturday from 2:10pm.