PORT ADELAIDE midfield coach Jarrad Schofield was upbeat after his side’s 16-point win over North Melbourne on Friday night, despite conceding the last five goals.
Port won its second consecutive game to register a 4-2 start to the season, and Schofield says the feeling at Alberton is good.
“We were very upbeat and positive,” Schofield said at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
“We came up against a side that had their backs against the wall.
“We were going to make sure we wanted to back up our performance against West Coast.
“It was a challenge going into the game, and I think mentally the blokes were pretty focussed.
“We take a lot away from the game and you keep that winning feeling going.”
The 2004 premiership player admitted it was disappointing to concede the last five goals of the game but said it was important for the group to continue to learn.
“Every game you are obviously learning and there are things you can do better,” he said.
“We would’ve like to have taken our opportunities. We kicked 16 points in the end - we would like to be kicking more goals than points.
“At least we are giving ourselves a lot of opportunities. We had 57 inside 50s again, so we’ve got enough ball going forward, we just need to make sure we capitalise a bit better.
“At the end of the day, it was a win. A tough, well-fought win.”
The Power will be forced into at least one change this week with mercurial forward Robbie Gray out with a broken hand.
Schofield says it will be hard to replace Gray, but the 44-year-old is assured whoever gets the call-up will come in and play their role after strong form in the SANFL.
“Unfortunately for Rob he is a little bit banged up with the hand,” he said.
“He had the surgery and all went well apparently, and he will rest up and when he’s right to play he will come back in.
“I suppose one soldier out, one soldier in, and that’s the beauty of our list so far.
“We’ve got players who are playing some good footy in the SANFL.”
Schofield understands the challenge of heading to Melbourne to face Collingwood in Round 7 but says his side can take confidence from their win against West Coast on the road a fortnight ago.
“It’s a real challenge and our players are up for it,” he said.
“Two weeks ago, against West Coast in Perth was probably seen as the toughest challenge and this game in no different.
“Collingwood are a fantastic side. Very well stocked throughout the midfield and they are well led with a fantastic ruckman.
“My job as a midfield coach is to make sure our boys are up and about.”
The Power play the Magpies in a Friday night blockbuster at Marvel Stadium starting at 7.20pm ACST.
