“Just because they haven’t played the same amount of games [as other players] their ability to sustain playing our way for four quarters mightn’t be like a more senior player, but how we want them to set up, move the ball, defend or attack won’t change because we’re bringing in young or less experienced guys than the ones we’ve got out injured.”

The Power has made six changes - one unforced - to its side to play Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Sunday, with full back Alipate Carlile returning after a one week hiatus in the SANFL.

The other five players to come into the side, including Lobbe who replaces Jarrad Redden (omitted) and Tom Jonas playing his first game for the Power in 2012 after stringing consistent performances together at Norwood, will face a stocked up Geelong side playing for a top six place.

The loss of the entire Port Adelaide leadership group through injury has resulted in Primus making extensive changes to his side, including commissioning seven players to lead the team against the Cats.

The ability for his younger players to adapt to the rigours of AFL football will impact heavily on the final result.

Despite the challenge that beckons, Primus believes that the Power’s work through pre-season with his list’s inexperienced players gives confidence that the incoming group will perform against Geelong.

“Obviously our make-up and experience is different to what it would have been [had the leadership group played],” said Primus.

“When we train we try and train together at the same time, but that can be difficult because AFL games might be played on, say, a Sunday whereas SANFL normally plays at 2.10pm on a Saturday.

[ Related: SANFL Report ]

“[Getting players to standard] has a lot to do with how much work you do during pre-season - that up-skills the newer guys - but we also have a development team led by Daniel Healy, Matthew Nicks and Tyson Edwards so they constantly review games and see what we’ve done wrong and right so those that haven’t played can see what we’re trying to do.”