Port Adelaide senior coach Glenn Strachan says the Power’s 21-point Round 1 win over Fremantle was a pleasing reward for the work the group has put in throughout the pre-season. 

Speaking to the media at Alberton ahead of the main training session, Strachan touched on his side’s defensive performance, how he is preparing the group for its clash against Hawthorn, and the standout performances of Teagan Germech, Katelyn Pope and Lauren Young. 

Port Adelaide will host its home opener against Hawthorn at Alberton Oval on Sunday at 4:50pm ACST. Entry is free for children under 14, and tickets are still available.  

Strachan on his side’s 21-point win against Fremantle 
“It was a great performance from the team, and obviously our defenders, and Teagan individually too. It's just so nice to have some of the work that we've put into play across pre-season come out in a game. It was fantastic to watch.” 

“It was a little bit unknown (how the group was going to perform), I guess, as it always is in Round 1. I wasn’t too surprised because I think we've seen enough evidence across the pre-season, maybe not so much in our trial games, but definitely at training we've seen plenty of evidence of what we did on the weekend. I’m very pleased, don't get me wrong, but probably not surprised, to be honest.” 

Strachan on team selection 
“We’ve got to train today, so I know a little bit more after today’s session, but everybody got through uninjured, and obviously Sachi (Syme) and Piper (Window) will train today, and they're a test to play on the weekend, so we'll just wait and see.” 

Strachan on how he is preparing the side for Hawthorn 
“It will be another great challenge; the Hawks have been a good team for a long time. Obviously, they've played finals and been a top four team the last two years – they've got some great players, and I know they didn't get the result in their Round 1 game. We’re expecting a really tough game here at Alberton, and it will be nice to be back home and to play in front of a home crowd. We can't wait for all of our supporters to turn out.” 

“They've got some great players down there (in the backline), Jenna Richardson, etc. I know they had some younger or maybe more inexperienced players play in Round 1, but no, I still see that as a great challenge. I think they've got great players across all lines, and that's something that we're going to look to combat. Hopefully, if we can get some good looks inside 50, then we'd look to capitalize, but it’s going to be a great challenge for the group.” 

Strachan on Katelyn Pope’s form 
“She's great. She plays that half-forward role really well, and she's super diligent with her role. And I think I've said about numerous people, even though she's only just turned 30, she's still wanting to get a lot better and improve. It's great to see from her. She had a great game on the weekend, probably slightly different to how we thought her role might look, but she played really well, so that was exciting.” 

Strachan on how the group is harnessing the confidence from a Round 1 win 
“I think the win is a nice way to get a little bit of reward for all the work that you've done. But equally, we talk about not being dictated by the scoreboard, so if we had played the same way and not got the result, I hope that we still would have felt the same way on Monday. So, it's a nice reward, but it's not what we're hanging our hat on just yet.” 

Strachan on Teagan Germech’s standout performance 
“She's 23 and has been around a little while now. We hope that all the work that she's put in, not just off the back of the last 12 weeks of pre-season, but longer, we just hope that some of that keeps coming to the fore in her games, along with plenty of others too, because I think we're all in the same boat because we're just hitting that age that we can see some real improvement in their game. What she's great at is she's great at working on what she's good at and her strengths, but equally going to work with the coaches around what she needs to keep improving on. She's a great one to look at in that regard.” 

Strachan on game styles across the league 
“I think it's probably more attacking, but in different ways, if that makes sense. Obviously, North Melbourne and other teams are kicking big scores, and I think it’s going to happen more often, and I think that that's coming off the back of how we use the ball, how other teams use the ball. I just hope that we can slow some of those teams down and defend them just as well.” 

Strachan on Lauren Young 
“She's pulled up well. Injuries have obviously been a big part of Youngy’s early career, but it was just great to see her play and kick a goal, which was a nice reward for her. More than anything, I'm just really excited that she's getting some continuity and consistency.” 

Strachan on his upcoming first game as senior coach at Alberton 
“I can't wait. I've been here once on the wrong end of it (with Carlton), and yeah, it's something to behold. I think that Alberton, when it packs out, and I'm sure it will on Sunday, is just a great environment. Families and supporters can get down here and support us – we're lucky that we'll play after the boys, so people can watch it and then come here. This match day is something not many other clubs have. I can't wait, I'm actually really excited about it.”