PORT ADELAIDE'S up and coming big men dominated all around Flinders University Stadium on Sunday in the Magpies 28-point win over South Adelaide.

Key forward Charlie Dixon returned to the SANFL with three goals and had a lot of support from ruckman Peter Ladhams (two goals, 21 hitouts and 21 disposals), Sam Hayes and Todd Marshall which really impressed coach Matthew Lokan.

Steven Motlop was also fantastic with four goals from 15 disposals, while young midfielder Joe Atley gathered 11 clearances.

“Our ability to stick to a plan and implement it for three and a half quarters was very pleasing and our ball movement, especially in those second and third quarters was what we needed,” Lokan said.

“They (Motlop and Dixon) are good players, we don’t put too much pressure on them when they come back and play SANFL footy, I think both of those guys as well as Todd Marshall and Pete Ladhams were real focal points up forward.

“Mots (Motlop) kicked four and Charlie (Dixon) kicked three and that was the difference in the game in the end.

“Hayesey (Hayes) is coming off a knee injury and it has taken some time over the last month to be able to find his feet, but his ability to go and take some really good marks in the third quarter was really important and Pete (Ladhams) is like an extra onballer.

“Ladhams was really good in the ruck today, but his ability to be able to follow up is certainly his strength.”

After a close first half, the Magpies led by seven points at the major break before a massive eight-goal third term helped them to a 50-point buffer at the final change.

“It was good to watch, we had to change some things we were able to attack deeper into the forward line and get a contest that we were after and we were predictable with our ball movement,” Lokan said.

“We got first use of it in the midfield, Ladhams’ third quarter was outstanding.

Port sit in third place having won five of its past six matches and with three matches to go sit three wins clear of sixth placed Woodville-West Torrens.

The Magpies will enjoy a week off before facing the Eagles on Sunday, August 11 at Alberton Oval.