PORT ADELAIDE entered Saturday’s clash with Sturt knowing it had to respond from two disappointing performances, and it did just that – claiming a 20-point win at Alberton Oval in front of 5270 supporters.

Magpies coach Matt Lokan was proud of his team’s performance to shut down the Double Blues star players and carry out plans set during the week.

“We identified their strengths as their inside midfielders, Zane Kirkwood, Aidan Reilly, Sam Colquhoun and Danyle Pearce have been outstanding for them and then their ability to intercept mark in their backline is a key part of their game,” he said.

“Sam Mayes did a great job on Jack Stephens today to keep him to one intercept mark in their back half and Reilly went forward after half time so from that point of view we planned really well and were able to execute those plans.

“We know Sturt like to kick/mark, overlap run and put speed on the footy - that is their game.

“The thing that really pleased me was that Pearce only had 12 disposals and Cam Sutcliffe did a fantastic job on Colquhoun to keep him to four disposals in the first half.”

Going into the Round 9 match, Port sat sixth on the ladder (one position behind Sturt) with a four and four win/loss ratio and Lokan outlined the Double Blues match and next week’s clash with Norwood as season defining games.

“It was a four (premiership) point game for us and we spoke about it during the week,” he said.

“This was a huge game for us as a footy club – to be able to beat the side that is in front of you is so important.

“Norwood is now two points in front of us, and we play them next week.

“They are really important two games and we have ticked the first one off and have to tick the next box now.”

Lokan was amazed by the crowd of 5270 that turned out to Alberton to cheer on his side.

“It was outstanding to see,” he said.

“I grew up a Port boy and I remember coming to games when I was growing up and seeing the outer side packed it was like that again today was amazing.

“From the players point of view we knew it would be a big crowd because the fans are so loyal to us – there was no AFL game so it was great to come out and watch the SANFL side.”

Ollie Wines and Charlie Dixon returned from injury and each played their first matches for the Magpies.

“If you get Wines and Dixon back into your side it is going to make a big difference, both of those guys were really good for us,” Lokan said.

“Charlie is a big presence for us in the forward line and to end up kicking five goals was a really good effort and what we wanted for him to get out of the game.”