PORT ADELAIDE premiership players Chad Cornes and Josh Carr will put friendship aside on Saturday afternoon when the Magpies and Roosters go head-to-head at Alberton.
The Magpies' first game at Alberton Oval for the 2016 SANFL season also marks the first time Cornes and Carr have faced each other as coaches of their respective clubs.
Listen to the Magpies v Roosters live on portadelaidefc.com.au from 2.10pm
Cornes was appointed Port Adelaide's SANFL coach for 2016, while Carr departed Alberton to take the helm at Prospect.
“It’s obviously always good to come back and stand on this ground. It’s not really about me versus him. We are just coaches now, it’s a bit of fun between us two,” Carr said earlier this week.
The Magpies will have an opportunity to claim their first win of the season at their home ground, following a 30-point loss to the Crows at Mannum on Sunday.
“The boys have had a real crack and have pretty much done everything I’ve asked of them," Cornes said.
Our execution, skill level and goal kicking has let us down at times. I have full confidence in every Magpie contracted player that has come up and every player that came up played really well last week."
The Roosters have started their season unusually, with a 107-point loss to Central District in Round 1 followed by a 57-point win over Norwood last weekend.
“It was a bit of chalk and cheese from Round 1 to Round 2. I hope they bring Round 2 not Round 1. We’ve been working at our game and I think it’s about consistency for us. We just want to make sure we bring the effort and hopefully the result comes our way,” Carr said.
Carr commended the Magpies on their effort so far in the season.
“They could’ve easily won last week's game against the Crows, so we know we are going to get a fierce contest,” he said.
Cornes said he is thoroughly enjoying his role as Magpies coach so far, having taken over the role from Garry Hocking this year.
“The people I’m learning from and the coaches are all being so supportive. The supporters are still on our side, even though the results haven’t gone our way, so all in all I’m proud to be a part of it and coaching on Alberton Oval on Saturday”, he said.
Port Adelaide hosts North Adelaide at Alberton Oval at 2:10pm on Saturday 9 April.
Tickets available at gate: Adult $14, Concession $8, Children U18 Free.
Listen to the game live on SANFL Radio on portadelaidefc.com.au.
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