On the overall game

“The start was always going to be a little bit 50/50 because both sides were in a pretty significant battle. We needed the bye – we absolutely needed the rest and we were able to play out a strong four quarters.

“It [the second term] was probably as good a quarter as we’ve played, considering the conditions. It really started off Robbie Gray’s tackle in the middle of the ground, which is significant for us. Robbie gets a lot of the outside stuff, but the tackle on the inside in that quarter really got us going, because that lead to Chad Wingard’s goal. Our tackle shows our intent, and when our intent is high, we usually play pretty well.

“The second quarter put us in a position where we were controlling the game.

“When we do it well, and consistently well, we know what it looks like – that’s the great thing about it. We actually know what it looks like, but doing it consistently is still the challenge.”

On the Power’s tackle count

“[Tackling] creates their energy, that’s what I think it does – and they know it, it they see it. I asked them all night – what are you seeing that’s providing the energy for us as a team tonight? And  they’d highlight those key tackles, that gang tackling, that manic pressure when we’re on, we put on really well.”

On Kane Mitchell’s return

“Energy. He brings energy to the footy team and he wants to still play. I probably made it as hard as I possible could for him to get an opportunity, and he’s just consistently turned up, done what he’s needed to do, works hard at his game.

“I think he’s capable of that [playing for the rest of the year] because he’s got such a big engine, he can stick with people.”

On the midfield performance

“They’ve done a great job, our midfield…let’s not mess around. Any midfield group in the AFL who has to deal with the lopsided hitout count that we deal with should get a fair bit of credit when they’re able to deliver the numbers they have against a pretty good midfield in there tonight.

“Dusty [Dustin Martin] is a significant player – but I thought he was under a lot of pressure tonight. He’s a strong player, but I thought Brad was pretty strong all night for us too.”

On next week’s challenge

“Get everyone here on Thursday night…get all the Port People here, fill up the place and help us, because we need your help, and your support. We’ll hopefully bring the same energy and take on the Hawks and we look forward to the challenge.”

On moving forward

“We’ve got to be able to repeat it.  I’m really proud of the fact that we were able to play like we did tonight -  but I challenge you [the players] to keep backing it up …for us, it’s good old fashion hard work – it’s the only way we can play.

“I don’t want that [top 8] to be their carrot. I want the people they’re representing to be their carrot – I want them to play for the Port Adelaide people. We went over 60,000 members this week…I want them to represent us as a football club and they want to do that.

“Overall I’m proud of this group…always have been.”