PORT Adelaide interim coach Garry Hocking says his decision to start Danyle Pearce as a sub against the Lions on Saturday isn't a sign the 26-year-old playmaker's career is at a crossroads.

A restricted free agent, Pearce hasn't re-signed with the Power and has struggled to reach his best in 2012.

Former coach Matthew Primus previously confirmed Pearce was a "vital prospect" for the club, but admitted he would most likely test the waters of free agency.

But Hocking said Pearce was made the substitute on Saturday to provide the side with much-needed run and spark in the second half, not because he was on the outer at Alberton.

"I can't read anything into (him starting as sub)," Hocking said.

"We just felt we needed a bit of excitement and creativity, that's why he was the sub.

"(Aaron) Young's done it, (John) McCarthy's done it, (Chad) Wingard's done it, we just felt it was a need, not so much where we think Danyle's at with his footy.

"We just didn't quite get out what we need in that last quarter with I'm and probably the other players as well."

Although Hocking admitted consistency again troubled the Power, after they controlled large portions of the game but ultimately coming up empty-handed, he was adamant there were positives to be found in the 11-point loss.

Hocking labeled ruckman Matthew Lobbe "heroic" for his 29 hit-outs and goal and heaped praise on 18-year-old Chad Wingard, 19-year-old Aaron Young and 22-year-old Brad Ebert.

"Lobbe was heroic in the ruck for three quarters against (Ben) Hudson, who is a really quality ruckman," he said.

"Wingard (had) an opportunity not just to play forward but around the football … he showed some real class and some real poise.

"Brad's form, 31 (disposals) and his hardball gets and that sort of stuff, his ability to keep racking up possession and pump you inside 50.

"Aaron Young again today showed at times he's going to be a player of the future, so there's a few positives, no doubt."

As arguably the most courageous player in the competition during his playing days, Hocking's assessment of Jay Schulz's heroics carried considerable weight.

After enduring a badly scratched eye, severely bruised ribs and a life-threatening ruptured bowel already this season, Schulz didn't hesitate to throw his body into several crunching situations.

The most noticeable was a massive contested grab in which Schulz dove for a mark and held onto it as Joel Patfull smashed him.

Hocking was seen shaking his head has he watched the vision of the contest, and said Schulz's level of courage was one for all his players to aspire to.

"It's amazing, we want that from all our players, not just Jay but he certainly leads the way there for us," Hocking said.

"His efforts are just outstanding, his ability to either dive on the football, go back with the flight of the ball, we've seen the (Justin) Westhoff one earlier in the year against the Bulldogs.

"You do pay a price, but he's been able to come back and show great confidence to go and attack the footy so that's an outstanding effort."

Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.