PORT ADELAIDE development coach Matthew Lokan has talked up the bright future of the club after the side’s six-point win over Adelaide in an under 23 Showdown at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.

The Power at one stage led by 34-points and withstood a late charge by the Crows to hold on to the narrow win.

After dominating the first half thanks to six goals to one in the second term, the Power youngsters – aided by senior figures getting game time including Brad Ebert, Cam Sutcliffe and Jarrod Lienert – showed composure to close out the game in a tense final stanza.

Lokan, who coached the side, saw promising signs in a side missing a number of first-choice under 23 players and featuring seven SANFL top-up players.

“I thought it was a game of two halves but overall I thought our young guys were fantastic,” Lokan said after the match.

“You know, we had eight guys who were under 23 that we didn’t have play today so it really gave those first and second year guys an opportunity to play and I was really pleased with the way they played, and that should give them a lot of confidence going into the season.

“In particular, our young guys showed they can perform at the level and it’s something to build from.”

It was a first look for Port Adelaide supporters at draftees Dylan Williams, Jake Pasini and Trent Burgoyne against opposition and each had their moments.

Pasini showed defensive promise against the more mature bodies of Crows Elliot Himmelberg and Darcy Fogarty while Burgoyne booted a classy snapped goal after roving off a pack.

Williams too impressed with two goals to go with the three he kicked in the intra-club match a fortnight ago.

The teenager flew at a few big marks and set up Burgoyne’s major.

“Guys like Trent Burgoyne haven’t played footy in 18 months so to be able to come out and play his first game against men - I thought he did some good things in the first half,” Lokan explained.

“Dylan Williams can play, and he’s going to be a serious star once he improves his work rate a little bit and is able to play for four quarters.

“If he continues to develop, I don’t want to put a limit on him. He’s certainly got some AFL qualities and if he continues to develop, I think he can play AFL footy.”

Lokan was also impressed by the efforts of young tall Todd Marshall who booted two goals but also took a number of marks up the ground, blocked a hole in defence at times and even spent a period in the ruck.

“The thing that I liked about Todd’s game was that he can do things for longer,” Lokan said.

“He probably has lacked a bit of fitness over the last couple of years – it’s certainly not one of his strengths but he’s added to that.

“He’s working really hard in the gym and has put on some size so I think the more football that Todd plays, the better that he’ll get, and we saw some consistency come out in his game today.”

Ebert – getting some run in his legs after an interrupted 2019 – spent much of the game in the midfield and looked assured, teaming with Willem Drew and Joe Atley in the middle to rove off the ruck work of third-year ruckman Sam Hayes.

A virus meant Pete Ladhams withdrew from the game, leaving Hayes to ruck for the bulk of the game, assisted by Geelong recruit Wylie Buzza, who looked dangerous in the front half especially in the first half.

“Sam Hayes was really good in the first half and we probably got on top in the middle but to Adelaide’s credit they probably got on top in the second half,” Lokan said.

“Pete Ladhams unfortunately couldn’t play because he was a bit crook. I thought Hayesy, especially in the first half, was dominant and he really got on top.”

The Power’s next game is against the Western Bulldogs in Whyalla, in the club’s second and final Marsh Community Series game.