PORT ADELAIDE will opt for a change of mind this week rather than a change of personnel following Sunday’s disappointing loss to the Swans in Sydney.

The Power took it to the desperate Swans in the first two quarters, but were blown away by 68 points after a third-quarter lapse.

Midfielder Shaun Burgoyne, who starred with 19 touches and four goals, said his team didn’t lack the talent to play tough, contested footy, but rather the discipline.

“It’s probably more of a mindset thing.” Burgoyne said.

“Even the smallest player on the field can tackle, shepherd and do the one-percenters. You just have to get your head around it and do it.

“We had a fairly successful year last year playing the same style of footy we’re playing this year. Contested footy is something we’re continually working and you can never be too good at.

“We’ll continue to work on it at training and hopefully we’ll see the benefits of it during the game this week. If we don’t, we’ll continue to practice it and continue to train hard until we do see the benefits.”

Port Adelaide trailed by just 13 points at quarter time and had chances to surge ahead in the second term, but kicked a wasteful 2.6.

Skipper Warren Tredrea provided a strong target up forward, but could only manage 2.4 and young gun Justin Westhoff sprayed two shots on goal from close range.

“Obviously our first half was pretty positive and our second half wasn’t, but you get the supporters to keep that faith because we’re not far from turning it around,” Burgoyne said.

“If we could’ve taken a few of our opportunities going into half time on the weekend- the score would’ve been a lot closer."

Burgoyne said the game against Sydney helped set the benchmark for Sunday’s twilight Showdown with the Crows, who also play a physical, contested brand of footy.

Port Adelaide dominated Showdown proceedings between 2000 and 2003 winning seven-in-a-row, but the Crows have since turned the tables to claim six of the past seven games between the two sides.

“We probably have to send a few messages [this week],” Burgoyne said.

“We have to win and we have to beat them because they have had the wood on us for a while. They’ll be full of confidence and we need to get off the losers list.

“Is this Showdown important? Yes it is. Regardless of who we were playing it’s another game we have to win.”

The Power, despite sitting 14th on the ladder, remain confident they can resurrect their season after a 0-2 start.

In 2003 Port Adelaide lost the opening two games of the year and went on to finish top at the end of the minor round. Last year Geelong also started slowly with only two wins in its first five games and the rest is premiership history.

“In past years, when I’ve been there, we’ve started with two losses and still had fairly successful seasons,” Burgoyne said.

“We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves or get too negative.”