Nathan Bassett addresses Port Adelaide's backline at half time during Round 12 action. Image: AFL Photos.

A record-breaking performance on Saturday has Port Adelaide firmly planted in second spot on the AFL ladder after 12 rounds. 

Sitting two games clear of third-placed Melbourne, Saturday’s victory marked the club’s longest winning streak and highest first half score since entering the AFL. 

Assistant coach Nathan Bassett spoke to the Adelaide media on Monday about the win over Hawthorn, the flexibility that comes with a winning streak, and which players could be returning to the fold this weekend. 

Bassett on Saturday’s win 
“I think it was a really positive result for our footy club. We played a very exciting style of footy for our first half and much of the third quarter, not quite as good in the last quarter, but in terms of where we're going as a footy team, I think there’s a lot to like about how we're playing.” 

Port Adelaide celebrated its ninth consecutive win, claiming victory over Hawthorn in Round 12. Image: AFL Photos.

Bassett on Port Adelaide’s first half against Hawthorn  
“There's not many times you come off where, I think it was 105 at half time and coding back the game I saw we were on 131 and there was still 13 minutes to go in the third quarter, so we certainly moved the ball with some speed and influence. It was nice playing in the sunshine and to be able to play some open footy like that. Not sure if the players enjoyed the sunshine, I think a few of them would like the rain back again after the weekend, certainly by the end of the game. But we did some good things and we're still growing our game.” 

Bassett on the flexibility that comes with a winning streak 
“You can have a little bit less risk particularly when there are guys performing well. There's not that desperation to bring people back (from injury) and you can wait to ensure they're fully fit when they do come back.” 

Best seat in the house: The feeling of starting as tactical substitute

Bassett on reviewing Saturday’s fourth quarter 
“We certainly will look at it. We're always looking at how we're playing and how we can get better, it's a little bit too around our conditioning over the next period of time and how much hard work the players have done over the first three quarters. Where there are some people that are pushing their load limits at the moment, we may need to pull a few back for a week or two at training so they're ready to go on weekends.” 

Bassett on Scott Lycett being subbed off 
“We did lose a little bit of value around the contest (when he was subbed off) but I also understand that it’s a long season and to have three six-day breaks in a row so to give our ruckman an extra quarter and a half of not playing (is good. It also gave) us a chance at looking at Ollie Lord in the ruck. I think there was a lot for us to learn and also to prepare for the coming weeks.” 

Scott Lycett was managed via the tactical sub in Round 12, primarily due to Port Adelaide's three consecutive six-day breaks. Image: AFL Photos.

Bassett on players being available for selection this week 
“If there are players that are available that can help you be better, then I think you'd be remiss not to pick them and build the team. We’ve got a couple of very tough games coming up, the Western Bulldogs are our focus. We want to give our best shot to beat them.” 

Bassett on mid-season draftee Quinton Narkle  
“I think it's good that he's come in (to the SANFL) and shown that he can play – he's played 40-odd AFL games and played some very good ones so it's nice that he can come in and mix straight in with the guys and show that he's got more than enough talent to play AFL footy.” 

Quinton Narkle impressed in his first club appearance, recording 29 disposals and eight tackles. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Bassett on the next three games 
“They're all important games. You want to win as many as you can, finish as high up the ladder so you don’t have to win as many finals to end up in a grand final. Western Bulldogs are a good side, they challenged us at home in Round 5, Geelong the week after, Essendon after the bye but our focus is really to look at it one week at a time and let's look at Western Bulldogs and what we can do to beat them this week.” 

“Our goal is always to finish as high up the ladder as we can…each week there's another opportunity to put a bit more distance between us and the chasing pack.” 

Bassett on Charlie Dixon returning from injury 
“Yeah, he was close (last week). He trained here Thursday, did the full session, got through, but didn’t feel quite at the level to be able to compete properly at AFL level and given Ollie Lord had a good performance the week before, we thought we'd keep Ollie Lord in the side.”