Recruit Ivan Soldo says he and his teammates are always working to make each other better. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE ruckman Ivan Soldo says he is always trying to improve as a player, and the current midfield group only pushes him further. 

Soldo is managing the pressures of the number one ruck spot well, despite sporting a black eye and a few sore spots from Saturday night’s physical ruck battle. 

The 28-year-old spoke with the Adelaide media on Wednesday about his own form, the young midfield, and how he’s settling into life at Alberton. 

Soldo on gelling with the midfield 
“Yeah, definitely early on, it was more me trying to find my place but I’ve found that working together is actually the best way to go about it. We’re all trying to get each other better and trying to get a bit of synergy as well around the stoppage. New captain, new vice-captain - they're really stepping up as well. And Horney’s (Jason Horne-Francis) been unreal as well. Always room to grow. It’s still early in the year and I can’t wait to play the rest of the year with them.” 

Ivan Soldo says he can't help but feel a sense of confidence when his midfield is 'dominating' the contest. Image: AFL Photos.

Soldo on having a light training on Wednesday 
“Yeah, it was a pretty tough game of the weekend and I copped a knock (to the knee) so I was on the sides running some strides which was nice, a bit of a break for me, which was good."

Soldo on his current form 
“Yeah, there's definitely parts of my game I always want to get better at. But with the team doing so well, and our mids absolutely dominating when they need to, it's hard not to walk off the track feeling so confident with the boys. But personally, I'm just playing a role for the team and as long as Kenny’s happy with me every week, I think that’s a tick for me.” 

Soldo on his black eye 
“It's come up quite well, actually. You’ll have to excuse me, I've got a knock in the throat as well (at training today) so it’s a bit hard to talk. But yeah, the knock in the eye, it was just like a loose elbow that has got me and I think the swelling popped up straight away, so I couldn't actually open it. And then eventually the swelling went down. And now it’s come up nice and purple.” 

Despite having a few sore spots after a physical contest against the Dockers, Soldo will line up for his side in Round 6. Image: AFL Photos.

Soldo on enjoying his football at Port Adelaide 
“Yes, it’s good to get the faith from the coaches as well. And the mids have been so supportive of me as well and like I've said before, I had a great time at Richmond, but coming in here with fresh eyes and a lot of faith in the coaching as well has been great. 

“I think we definitely encourage each other to be better every week. And hearing those words of encouragement from our players, my teammates, makes me feel a lot better. We're always trying to get better every week. And I mean, it's great to hear it from Ollie Wines (on 9 News) too because…he's a great player and a Brownlow Medallist so it gives me a lot of confidence.” 

Soldo on ruck competition 
“Well, there's always an element of having to earn your spot as well. And Kenny at the moment likes the way I play the game and whenever the time comes for Jordon (Sweet) to come in or us to both come in at the same time, whenever that presents itself, I think we’re  both going to be ready and it's going to be team-specific. 

Ruckmen Jordon Sweet and Ivan Soldo share a laugh at training. Image: Matt Sampson.

“I think definitely as the season goes on (there’s a chance Jordon and I will play together). It's always an option to explore just with the weather change and the contest game, especially in that middle part of the year. So definitely an option later in the year and the coaches will decide.”