PORT ADELAIDE will approach its tight turnaround to face the Western Bulldogs on Monday as an opportunity to show its resilience after last night’s win over Melbourne.
The Power downed the Demons by 51 points in an energetic response to the loss to St Kilda last weekend.
After kicking the first six goals of the game, defence coach Brett Montgomery was pleased his side went on with a complete four-quarter showing.
“Particularly after last week and our disappointing last quarter,” he told portadelaidefc.com.au on Friday morning as the side prepared to leave Brisbane and return to Adelaide.
“We weren’t too sure whether it was the impact of some travel or just we were overrun and ran out of legs or a number of factors so to see us stamp our authority on that one really early and not let up was a great sign.
“We wanted to find our run again. I think we’ve got huge belief about the amount of run we do have and the ability we have to play a nice fast high-octane game.
“Just that last 25-30 minutes of last week gave us a little bit of reason for concern so I think they took that challenge on and made some adjustments to make sure that run was possible.”
Montgomery praised the work of the midfield which got on top despite Demons ruckman Max Gawn winning the hit-outs convincingly.
And he saved special mention for the backline which adjusted well to three changes.
“I thought the team defence was right on from the start,” he said.
“If you talk backline specifically the three changes with Lieno (Jarrod Lienert) coming into the team and Sam Mayes trying to cement a place in the team and Dan Houston coming back.
“We had a bit of turnover so I was pleased to see some chemistry and them hold up, particularly when the Demons did have an opportunity to score.”
Montgomery said he expected ruckman Scott Lycett and key defender Trent McKenzie to be available for selection after overcoming knee and back injuries respectively.
But he explained navigating three days between games was a new experience.
“We certainly won’t train, that’s for sure,” he said.
“We have to respect the turnaround, respect their bodies and where they’re at.
“Also leading into this short turnaround we had those two or three flights as well in a condensed period so lots of recovery, they’ll get some good advice around diet, sleep and all those sorts of things and we’re just looking forward to getting back.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to show our resilience.
“One thing I know our playing group is pretty proud of the work we’ve done in that space.”
As for what he is looking forward to most, Montgomery said the side was eager to get back in front of Port Adelaide’s passionate members at Adelaide Oval on Monday night and put on a better show than the last home outing against the Saints.
“It was really disappointing to go home against St Kilda and not show our fans exactly the consistent season we’re putting together so here’s another opportunity to do that,” Montgomery said.
“I think (the Bulldogs are) another team that’s in an interesting space, trying to battle through their hub life and find their reason but it’s good to get back and in front of our crowd again.”
Port Adelaide faces the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval from 6:40pm on Monday night.
