PORT ADELAIDE defender Matthew Broadbent has thanked the club for its support during his absence from Alberton last month.

Broadbent stepped away from the game to focus on his mental health.

After making his AFL return against Richmond on the weekend, he says he is refreshed and really enjoying his football again.

“It’s been good to get back out there,” Broadbent told FIVEaa’s Rowey and Bicks on Wednesday evening.

“It was a tough day on the weekend, but it’s good personally to be back out there. I’ve really enjoyed the last month getting back to the club.

“I am really thankful to the club for being supportive in that area. A couple of weeks away is what I needed at the time to get on top of a few things.

“I’ve come back really refreshed and enjoying my footy again now.”

The 28-year-old says his side’s inconsistent form has been disappointing, but insists the group is still working hard to reach this season’s finals series.

“We have been frustrated with the up and down results,” Broadbent said.

“There are five games left and there is a really good opportunity for us to get on a roll and still make the finals.

“We can’t look too far ahead. We have a big game against GWS this week and that will be the first step.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s crunch clash with Greater Western Sydney, Broadbent says the Power is up for the fight and ready to take on the quality Giants outfit.

“They certainly have got some real high-end talent there,” he said.

“They have a couple of outs and they are definitely beatable. The last three weeks before (the Collingwood game) they hadn’t been great.

“We will be up for the fight.”

Port hosts GWS at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night in a huge Round 19 match-up, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.