IT WAS an unconventional lead-in to Saturday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs for Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes, but the midfielder believes he had never felt better after arriving in the Top End late following the birth of his son.

Cornes, 25, flew into Darwin the morning of the match after his wife Lucy gave birth to second son Raphael on Friday afternoon, four days ahead of his due date.

While the bub's early but timely arrival meant Cornes was able to take his place in the Power's line-up on Saturday, the talented midfielder admitted he was prepared to skip the game had it been necessary.

"It was a great day yesterday. Everything went really well and went to plan, and it was a very special day," Cornes said, shortly before hot-footing back to Adelaide on the red-eye post-match.  

"It was lucky that I got to play and didn't have to miss the birth or the game.

"It was always going to be a nerve-racking weekend for us that we had in the calendar.

"I would have missed the game if it had come to that, but I was pretty confident it wouldn't. I knew there was a flight out on Saturday morning and I was always going to catch the early flight home tonight.

"So we had things in place beforehand."

A lengthy trip north on the morning of the match had little impact on Cornes' form. Running with Bulldog Adam Cooney, the relentless tagger picked up 41 possessions and was in the Power's best.

"Funnily enough, it's the best I've felt all year," he said.

"I enjoy playing in the warmer weather and fitness is one of my strengths, so I wasn't too worried about that.

"The legs felt really good so I was rapt with that, and was just disappointed we didn't get a win."

Cornes said there were many positives the Power could take from the 54-point loss, given they won the contested ball, clearances and inside 50s.

He also said his side has plenty to look forward to in the remainder of the season, despite all but falling out of finals contention with eight rounds remaining.

"It's exciting because the seven guys that came in tonight showed positive signs," he said.

"The best thing about them is they all play tough, hard, competitive footy and that's what we'll judge them on for the rest of the year.

"It's exciting for everyone to get their enthusiasm up. They want to do well and we've got some winnable games coming up after the break.

"We're looking forward to playing at home and hopefully giving our supporters something because we've been pretty average at home this year."