PORT ADELAIDE assistant coach Matthew Lokan has praised the efforts of the players not selected to feature in Saturday night’s Showdown 48, after they banded together in trying conditions to secure an 18-point win in a trial game against the Crows.

The Power set the tone for the result in the AFL Showdown on Saturday afternoon with Wylie Buzza booting two goals in the low scoring affair.

In wet and windy conditions, the Power won 5.8 (38) to 2.8 (20).

“It was really pleasing to get the win but it was also really pleasing to see some of the guys get some match practise,” said Lokan, who coached the side.

“Some of these players haven’t had the opportunity to play a competitive match since February so it was important for their preparation and development that they got some minutes into their legs.

“The conditions weren’t easy but the boys toughed it out and it was good to come away with the result.”

It was a different feel to the game with 16-per-side and the quarters limited to 20 minutes with no time on.

Scores were level at the first change with both sides booting two goals apiece.

From there, the Crows were held goalless, adding just five points to their final total as the Power ground out a hard-fought win.

Ollie Wines, playing his first game since dislocating his shoulder in January, showed he was ready to return to AFL football after serving a suspension for a COVID breach, while Sam Mayes found plenty of the ball through the midfield, Pete Ladhams was impressive in the ruck and Jarrod Lienert was also among the best.

“I was really happy to see Jack Watts do some handy things and get through unscathed after such a lengthy injury layoff,” Lokan added.

“And it was a good reward for some of our young boys who have worked so hard in the pre-season and over the isolation period and to their credit returned in fantastic nick.

“It will give us plenty to think about with selection going forward.”

The game was played behind closed doors with no crowd and no photography, video or media allowed as per AFL regulations.

SCOREBOARD

PORT ADELAIDE            2.3      3.5        5.6     5.8   (38)             

ADELAIDE                        2.3      2.5        2.6     2.8   (20)              

Best

Wines, Lienert, Ladhams, Mayes, Bergman, Buzza