Port Adelaide’s next three weeks and the return of Charlie Dixon could help set up the rest of the season for the club, according to development coach Chad Cornes.
The Power returned to the winner’s list with an 11-point win over ladder leaders Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Cornes was full of praise for a couple of returning stars, including forward Dixon, who he said was crucial to the energy and passion of the playing group.
“He is very well loved by everyone at the club. When he played the couple Maggies games in previous weeks, the energy and passion that he brought himself and the rest of the group feeds off that,” Cornes explained on Adelaide radio station SEN SA on Monday morning.
In his first AFL game back from a broken leg and a dislocated ankle, Dixon managed eight disposals, seven hit-outs, four tackles and a goal – not huge numbers for the big man.
But it was his presence and ability to get the ball to ground level that pleased Cornes most.
“I thought he really straightened us up (on Saturday night). It wasn’t a huge game for him, possession or goal wise, but he competed really well and like you said, the boys love having him out there and the supporters love watching him,” Cornes said.
“I have no doubt that he’s one of our most important players and it’s great to have him back.”
The Saturday night clash saw the return of a number of star players with Charlie Dixon, Brad Ebert and Ollie Wines showing great form along with Joel Garner and Hamish Hartlett.
Port Adelaide’s runner was particularly excited by Hartlett’s response, in his second game back at AFL level, especially one big tackle laid by the Power vice-captain.
“I love the way Hamish plays and I was sitting right next to Michael Voss on the bench and we were pretty excited when Hamish delivered that hit,” Cornes said.
“The way he (Hamish) has performed in his two games back, you know, how tough he is and the way he’s leading the boys has been exceptional.”
Cornes touched on Tom Rockliff’s return after injury, likely to be through the SANFL and said he felt confident in the pressure a number of players are putting on the AFL group from below.
“I just had a quick look at what our SANFL team might look like this Saturday and it looks pretty strong. Rocky’s trained really well on Saturday morning so I’m assuming he’ll be right to go,” he said.
“There’s a fair bit of pressure from the guys below, putting on the guys above.
“Pete Ladhams, Billy Frampton, Toddy Marshall, there’s still a lot of talent below that holds the Maggies in good stead.”
Leading into Port Adelaide’s next game, against the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, Cornes said the club would celebrate the win but move on and focus on the work ahead pretty quickly.
“From tomorrow it’ll be completely focusing on the Bulldogs and very important not just this week but the three home games we’ve got in a row, can set up the rest of the season.”
