1. Dougal Howard can shoulder the ruck

He may have been drafted as a forward, but Dougal Howard has the potential to be a sole ruckman for the Magpies this year.

Howard was trialled in the ruck during Port Adelaide's NAB Challenge campaign and, despite being 19 years old, has proven he can handle the role over the last month.

He finished the match with 18 hit-outs, 12 disposals, five clearances, three marks and three goals.

With a little more experience and consistency, Howard could carve himself into a reliable No. 2 ruck for the Power this year if required.

2. Port's skills need work

Chad Cornes said it wasn't effort or intensity that lost the game, but poorly executed foot and hand skills.

Mistakes in the middle of the ground while trying to press forward were costly and the Redlegs capitalised time and again.

Fortunately, it's only Round 1, but the Magpies' disposal efficiency will need to head north, especially after their upcoming opponents - the Crows - polished off the reigning premiers in a big way on Saturday.

3.  Port Adelaide's forwards are straight shooters

Port's skills across the ground may need a bit of a touch up, but a small positive on Thursday was the side's accuracy in front of the big sticks.

When the Magpies did go forward, goals were the rule - not the exception.

Norwood recorded seven more scoring shots by half time, but Port Adelaide had six straight goals and ended the match with 12.3 to the victors' 15.10.

4.  Jimmy Toumpas is a workhorse

New recruit Jimmy Toumpas had big shoes to fill after taking over Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes's No. 18.

Donning the black-and-white jumper for the first time, Toumpas showed how hard he was willing to work.

The 22-year-old threw himself at every contest and tried hard to swing the momentum in his side's favour.

His fitness level was a shining light for the Magpies as he beat his opponents in the one-on-ones more often than not.

Toumpas ended the game with 25 disposals, five clearances, six marks and four inside-50s.

Port Adelaide plays the Adelaide Crows in SANFL Round 2 at Mannum on Sunday 3 April at 1:40pm (local).


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