Primus Enjoys Even Contribution
Port coach Matthew Primus said it was good to get away from the media glare of Adelaide and even better to get an even contribution from his players
PORT Adelaide coach Matthew Primus has praised the mental toughness of his players after ending what he admits has been a "difficult six weeks" with a hard-fought win over Richmond in Darwin.
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The Power came from a half-time deficit to overrun Richmond by 15 points.
It was Port Adelaide's second win in 2011 after defeating Adelaide in round four but Primus said to defeat an in-form Richmond showed true grit.
"It's only our second win for the year so by no means are we getting carried away with it but for the players it shows they have a bit of resilience," Primus said.
"It's been a difficult six weeks but they've kept on backing up and proving how they want to go about their footy. We played against a pretty good opposition tonight who have been in good form the last month. They got their just desserts tonight."
Primus said the change in routine with a trip to the Northern Territory played some part in his team's change of form but he said they have been gradually edging closer to a win.
"We've been playing the footy we wanted to for half and three quarters (of games) and I thought tonight barring five minutes here and there we were really competititive and that's what got us the result rather than playing at home or away," he said.
"In saying that it was good to get up here for a few days and enjoy each other's company. Probably get out of the glare of the football environment in Adelaide and Victoria."
Primus said one of the most pleasing aspects of the night was the even contribution from the 22 players who took the field.
"They all had their moments tonight. No one really dominated the game for us but no one really had a poor game," he said. Everybody really contributed, whether it was the first half or the second half."
Primus was adamant that the only thing holding his players back over the first half of the year was their focus.
"I know there have been things made of our fitness and our second halves but we have always been of the view it is our concentration and our ability to stick to our game plan rather than anything else," he said.
"We have been drumming that into the guys and last week we had a very good second half but not a good first half. The boys were able to keep each other honest. The end result was a win they deserve."
