Port Adelaide were able to effectively implement its desired ball movement and game style. Image: Brock Pearson.

Port Adelaide assistant coach Dan Merrett says the team showed encouraging signs during their first practice match against Adelaide at Alberton Oval. 

The Power secured a narrow two-point win in a tightly contested game, and while acknowledging there is still work to do ahead of Round 1, Merrett was pleased with the group’s ability to execute under pressure and compete against a quality Crows outfit. 

Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au after the match, Merrett shared key insights from the first hit-out of the season and reflected on the performances of both new and experienced players. 

Merrett on key insights from the practice match  

“We had a focus on getting our communication and connection right as a group, and I thought we did that well today. We also made sure we were getting our structures in place - and getting them in place quickly under fatigue. I thought our ability to move the ball has improved over the pre-season, so it was good to see that in play today against a quality opposition in the Crows. We’ve been focused on closing the gap between us and the top sides in the competition, and while we showed positive signs of being on the right track, we also identified key areas that we will review and keeping working on ahead of Round 1.” 

Assistant coach Dan Merrett says the squad has been focusing on closing the gap to the top sides in the competition, putting that on display this morning. Image: Brock Pearson.

Merrett on implementing an offensive game style 

“It was a bit blustery and wet underfoot, which are obviously challenging conditions, but I thought we were able to effectively implement some of our ball movement and game style. There’s definitely room for improvement in some areas, which we’ll review and then refine in training, but we hit the scoreboard with a couple of nice plays today, and I thought our forwards competed well. Generally, the Crows have spare players in the backline, but our ability to bring the ball to ground was something I loved seeing - it stopped them from getting their intercept game going, so our forwards did well in that respect. As coaches, we saw some of the strategies and game plays we’ve been working on over the pre-season, which was really pleasing, as well as identifying key areas we want to improve, which is what you want out of a practice match.” 

AFLW practice match vs Adelaide

Port Adelaide and Adelaide battle at Alberton in a practice match. Images: Brock Pearson.
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Merrett on the performance of new draftees and recruit Ella Heads 
“I thought they all competed well and showed why we picked them up in the draft and trade period. Jasmine Sowden was probably a standout today - she’s a clever footballer, very clean around the contest, and made good decisions. Chloe Gaunt did some strong ruck work and competed up forward, bringing the ball to ground, which was great. Ella Heads has been a great asset and has made a significant contribution to our backline. Lily Paterson showed today that she’s ready to compete at AFLW level - she’s a quality inclusion to the side, while Coby Morgan was impressive after only being in the team for four days and having just a couple of training sessions under her belt. She played on the wing, which can be quite difficult, but I thought structurally she did well. We’ll sit down with her during the week and look at her running patterns and structures, but she played her role today.” 

Merrett on the performance of Justine Mules-Robinson, Ash Woodland, Gemma Houghton and Shineah Goody 
“They are so important. Justine’s (Mules-Robinson) energy was amazing today, and Gemma (Houghton) was strong in the forward line - she plays her best footy when she’s moving around and coming at the ball which we saw her do a bit today. Ash (Woodland) is playing a dual role in the midfield and forward line and is such an important player, especially when it comes to setting up our structures, and Goody’s (Shineah Goody) work rate was off the charts.” 

Assistant coach Dan Merrett says new recruit has bought significant value to the side's backline. Image: Brock Pearson.

Merrett on Tahau’s return from a serious knee injury 
“She’s been out for a significant amount of time, so it was great to see her out there today. She reminded us how talented she is - it’s great to have her back in our team.” 

Port Adelaide will host Collingwood in their official pre-season game next Sunday, August 3, at Alberton Oval. Entry is free. 

Tickets for Port Adelaide’s Round 1 clash against Fremantle are on sale now.