STEVEN Salopek hasn’t had too many opportunities to play on the MCG in his 82-game career, but the celebration in the rooms after Port Adelaide’s upset 30-point win over Hawthorn has left the midfielder desperate to add to his tally.

“We only play here [the MCG] two more times for the rest of the year until finals - if we make them - so it’s good to get the experience down here,” he told afl.com.au.

“We do enjoy playing here – it is the home of football.”

After his 2008 season was cut short due to an achilles tendon injury, Salopek is finally enjoying an injury-free start to the season, with the Power reaping the rewards of having their number six draft selection from the 2002 National Draft out on the field.

Salopek collected 29 possession to continue his blistering start to season 2009, including six 50m rebounds to help conquer Hawthorn’s rolling zone.

But the midfielder is just happy to play his role week-in, week-out with the rest of the team benefiting from each other’s form.

“It was just a brilliant team effort - no real individual standouts,” he said.

“Everyone played their role and did their little bit, and it helps when you have the big fella up forward kicking goals.”

That ‘big fella’ was Warren Tredrea, who kicked six goals in a standout performance, one that has Salopek excited that season 2008 is well and truly in the past and 2009 could be a memorable year for the Power.

“We are really starting to click in terms of our style of play – everyone is playing their role,” the midfielder said.

“We’re really gelling together as a team.”

Finishing sixth in Port Adelaide’s best and fairest count last year, Salopek is relishing a role roaming across the half-back line, with the confidence installed by coach Mark Williams a significant factor in his stellar start to the season.

“I’m just enjoying the role down back and looking forward to keep improving and working together with the boys down there,” he said.