PORT Adelaide midfielder Danyle Pearce concedes the team's performances this season haven't helped the club's financial woes, saying the players need to accept more responsibility for improving the Power's bottom line.
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Port Adelaide has recorded only two wins this season, and is in line to collect its first-ever wooden spoon.
The Power's money troubles have been well documented, and in June it was announced the AFL would be required to step in and support the cash-strapped club to the tune of $9 million over the next three years.
The issue resurfaced following Port Adelaide's record 138-point loss to Collingwood at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, with comparisons made to the now-defunct Fitzroy Football Club and concerns raised over the Power's long-term viability.
Pearce acknowledged results such as those against the Magpies were detrimental to the club's plight to attract members and sponsors.
"We know we're not the most financially secure club and that we've got to battle for everything we do receive," Pearce said at Alberton on Wednesday.
"Performances we've showed this year definitely don't help.
"We understand that we've all got to pull our fingers out, play well and help the people upstairs trying to 'sell' the club and raise money."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou will move to allay fears over the Power's future as part of a scheduled visit to Adelaide on Wednesday.
Pearce denied the club's financial situation was having a negative effect on the players.
"We're not going to bed at night fearing that we're not going to be here next year," he said.
"To have the big boss [Demetriou] come in and give everyone that reassurance it definitely helps … but we're not going to bed wondering if the club is going to be here next year."
Much has been made of Port Adelaide's coaching structure this season, which includes part-time midfield coaches Ryan McMillan and Dean Laidley, who commutes between Alberton and Melbourne.
Pearce admitted the arrangement wasn't ideal, but said ultimately the players were to blame for the team's on-field performance.
"As far as coaches go, it would be great to be on a level playing field with everyone else, but as we've done all year we'll work with what we've got," he said.
"The coaches have done everything week-in and week-out to provide the players with all the right information … I don't think we've been a foot behind in that.
"We haven't had enough [contributors on the field] to get a win. If everyone isn't doing what's being asked of them or what they are capable of putting on the table then results like the one on the weekend happen."
Port Adelaide will attempt to respond to its disappointing loss to Collingwood in its clash with top-four fancies Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.
The Power will be bolstered by the returns of key players Matt Thomas (knee) and Alipate Carlile (hip) from injury.
Defender Troy Chaplin (foot) trained on Wednesday and should also play against the Hawks, but doubts remain over Tom Logan (foot), Dean Brogan (calf) and Jay Schulz (ankle).
Pearce said it was important his team was competitive against the Hawks.
"Our performance has to be better [against hawthorn]," he said.
"I don't think it can get any worse from the weekend. It was embarrassing the way we sent Chad [Cornes] off and this week everyone's got to be ready to play.
"It's embarrassing where we're sitting. We've got to improve and not one person here at the club is happy with where we're at."
Katrina Gill covers Port Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill
