Justine Mules says this weekend's clash against the Swans presents a huge opportunity for her side to bounce back after a disappointing loss. Image: AFL Photos.

Port Adelaide forward Justine Mules said this weekend presents a huge opportunity for her side to get their season back on track. 

The Power defeated Sydney in both clubs’ inaugural NAB AFLW season, however Port Adelaide won’t be underestimating the visitors on Saturday at Alberton.  

Mules spoke with the Adelaide media on Wednesday about Friday night’s loss against West Coast, the challenge ahead this weekend and how she’s felt playing some midfield minutes this season. 

Mules on this weekend’s game against Sydney 
“This game will be massive for us. Like you mentioned, we did win against them last year (but) they've recruited really well and I know they've had a strong season so far. So hopefully us girls just stick to our game place, execute it well, play our style of football and hopefully come away with the win. We go into every game with the attitude of 'must-win' so that is our game plan and hopefully we execute that well.” 

Mules on last Friday’s loss against West Coast 
“Absolutely, very disappointed with the outcome of the game, obviously we went in to win and had high expectations and we just fell away. We couldn’t keep to our game plan so definitely a disappointing loss for us. I think we were stuck in our heads a little bit. We obviously went in with a game plan and couldn’t execute so maybe it was a lack of confidence, a bit of lack of mindset as well but we're moving on from that now, we're focusing on this week against the Swans and will hopefully have a better result this weekend.” 

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Justine Mules press conference - 4 October | PTV

Justine Mules speaks to the media at Alberton Oval ahead of the Round 6 clash against Sydney.

Mules on the differences between season one and season two 
“This year actually having a proper pre-season together has definitely helped. This season, it has been a tough start for us coming across (some) top four teams in the league (but, at times) we've been able to show some real high-quality football. We can't just keep saying, 'it’s our first season' (anymore), you know, this year we need to execute our game plan. We are a good squad and I think it's just a bit more time, a bit more confidence and it will eventually come and hopefully we'll see that in Saturday's game.” 

Mules on the development of the young players 
“Our young guns are absolutely showing their skills and their weapons. Abbey Dowrick for example, she's absolutely killing it. I guess my leadership in the group is about helping make sure on game day that they keep bringing that shine and keep enjoying their football. Obviously, it's a bit hard with all the losses so far but just helping them keep going, stay positive and just keep playing their game.” 

Mules on what to expect after Saturday’s game 
“I believe there are going to be some DJs hanging around so hopefully everyone comes over to Alberton and gets their boogie shoes on. There will be some fireworks too so we definitely want the Alberton crowd back at home with us. Their support is like an extra person on the field, so we definitely want the crowd to be full here.” 

Mules on Maddy Keryk’s 50th AFLW game this weekend 
“Maddy is an incredible human being, she's had a lot of impact on the group, herself being a previous leader at her former club. Having her experience and her adult-like (approach) through the young squad as well has been awesome and congratulations to her for scoring he first goal last week, which was awesome.”  

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Coles Play of the Day R5: Maddy Keryk first ever goal in the AFLW | PTV

Maddy Keryk kicks her first ever goal in the AFLW in spectacular fashion to take out the Round 5 Coles Play of the Day.

Mules on her personal form 
“I'm just enjoying my football and that's really all that matters to me. I just want the team to do well and if I'm in and out of that I don't really mind, I just want the girls to go out, have fun and play some football. 

Mules on playing some midfield minutes this season 
“(It’s felt like) chaos! I don’t see myself as a typical midfielder. I don’t really like the body work, which probably isn't one of my strong suits but I absolutely love (anywhere) they want me to play. I'm happy to be in and out wherever the coaches want. I'm absolutely loving it, (but it presents) a big area for growth (for me) but the young girls are absolutely killing it in there. I've always asked the coaches for their input and just to help me grow and develop and take whatever they say on board and try and execute that in game play. They like to call me and Popey (Katelyn Pope) the Energizer bunnies, not too sure where that came from but yeah definitely try and bring my weapon, my speed, through the midfield there and just trying to get the positivity and the girls up and about really.