PORT ADELAIDE SANFL coach Matthew Lokan has praised his backline for setting the tone after quarter time in the Magpies’ 18-point win over Central District on Saturday.

The Bulldogs were well on top in the opening period and held a 19-point lead at the first change after restricting the Magpies to just one goal.

But after the break the Magpies surged, and from that point booted eleven goals to five to take command of the contest.

“I think at quarter time we were smashed in contested ball and ground ball and then after quarter time we were able to win the contest,” Lokan said.

“I think we had 15 to one inside 50s in the second quarter and once you get the ball down there, guys like Aidyn Johnson, Lindsay Thomas, Toddy Marshall and I thought (Jake) Patmore and (Kane) Farrell were really good today and we were able to hit the scoreboard.”

Thomas finished with three goals, Dom Barry’s run and carry and two goals were important in the second term, while Karl Amon worked hard all day to finish with a team-high 25 touches, six marks and four inside 50s.

But, Lokan said much of the credit for the turnaround needed to go to his defenders.

“Jack Hombsch and Jimmy Toumpas were really solid in the back half for us and I think the good thing about those guys is that they add a lot of leadership for us and they really do set up the play,” he said.

“Add to them Steven Summerton at half back and we’ve got a really experienced backline and I thought after quarter time they really set the tone and created a lot of play for us.”

The win sees the Magpies return to the winner’s list for the first time since the Round 2 defeat of Glenelg.

“The boys were over the moon,” Lokan said.

“We thought we were competitive against South last week but we just fell short so to win that keeps us in touch with the five now and that was really important.

“Centrals are hard to beat out here, they’re a real quality side and to be able to come out here and get the win is certainly what we needed.”

More on portadelaidefc.com.au...