PORT ADELAIDE was taken through its paces in a physical main training session on Wednesday morning, ahead of this weekend’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
Vice-captain Hamish Hartlett says while it was a relatively robust session, the training standards of the group have been consistently good all year.
“It was the only half-decent hit-out we are going to be able to have between now and the game,” Hartlett said at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
“There may have been a little more in it, but that’s generally how main training sessions play out.
“I think our intent at training for the entire season has been pretty outstanding, so there is never any question in that area.
Hartlett says every player is always looking to improve their individual game, and how it can benefit the team as a whole.
“It was our main session and they usually can be pretty physical - a little bit more so this week. I know the forwards and backs were concentrating on defending the crumb.
“All our guys come out with real purpose and a real intent to get better, individually and as a team.”
Despite the loss off Brad Ebert and Ryan Burton for this weekend’s match with the Tigers, and co-captain Ollie Wines being in doubt, Hartlett says the club will not use injuries as an excuse for its inconsistent performances.
“We don’t want to lay the blame on injuries,” the 28-year-old said.
“Every club has injuries. Collingwood for a large portion of last year had some key players out and again this year, and they seem to get the job done most weeks.
“We can’t lay the blame on injury.”
With the likelihood of a few changes from the side that lost to Brisbane last weekend, Hartlett says the match committee will look to shuffle the magnets around, and the form of players in the SANFL is a positive for the club.
“Housto (Dan Houston a late withdrawal against the Lions) and Matty Broadbent will be in contention obviously,” Hartlett said.
“Xavier Duursma on the weekend had a bit of a spell. His run and carry will be important for us, so he’s a chance to come back.
“Then it just depends on team balance. Mots played in the backline last weekend because of that late change, so I imagine he will go forward and we will just have to shuffle things around a bit.”
The Power faces the Tigers at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce at 1.15pm ACST.
