PORT ADELAIDE assistant coach Brett Montgomery believes the mid-season bye has come at the perfect time for the club.
Montgomery says the playing group is refreshed and really looking forward to the challenge of the back-half of the season, after a strong performance in Shanghai.
“It’s an outstanding time to have a break,” Montgomery said at a press conference at Adelaide Airport on Friday morning.
“In the middle of the year. Coming off a big win. Big travel to Shanghai, which is obviously a really big game and quite a big thing for our club.
“We’ve reloaded and replenished, and we are ready to go again.”
The defensive coach says the break was refreshing for the players, both physically and mentally, but he understands the need to be switched on for another interstate trip.
“It’s important that we do get stuck back into work,” Montgomery said.
“We had a great hit-out on the weekend, and we’ve had a good week.
“A good travel over to Perth brings us back together again, and we reload.”
Montgomery believes the game at Optus Stadium will hold no fears for his side - despite the disappointing loss to Fremantle last season - after a comprehensive victory over the reigning premiers earlier this year.
“I think most guys when they walk into the venue, they will re-live some of those great memories we took away from our Round 5 West Coast game,” he said.
“It’s important that grounds like Optus hold no fears for a young group.
“I think it will be all smiles when we get there.”
The 46-year-old was full of praise for the Power’s vice-captain Hamish Hartlett, who will make his long-awaited return to AFL football this weekend against the Dockers.
“You talk about important things in your season, then this is one of those,” Montgomery said.
“It certainly can’t be understated the amount of work Hamish has done. How important he is to the club and the group. He is vice-captain for a reason.
“What he has done, is lead the group really well from a position of not being able to perform on weekends, and that’s often pretty difficult to do.
“We can’t wait to see what he’s got.”
Fremantle hosts Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce commencing at 4.05pm ACST.
