PORT ADELAIDE assistant coach Nathan Bassett was pleased with his side’s efficiency using the ball in the forward half and in front of goals against Essendon on Saturday.

Port kicked 19.12 (126) at Marvel Stadium to register its second-highest score of the year, and Bassett said hitting the easiest option contributed to the good ball use.

“I think we were quite simple with the way we used the ball,” Bassett said at a press conference at Alberton on Monday morning.

“We took the easy option. Probably kicked down the line a little more. And I thought the guys worked well together in the forward line.

“Most importantly, we kicked really straight for goal.”

The forward coach was impressed with the performance of Robbie Gray, who kicked four goals from 19 touches and five marks against the Bombers.

“I thought we held our shape really well as a forward line,” Bassett said.

“We got a relatively consistent contest down the line. I thought Robbie (Gray) was important - he spent more time forward the last two weeks.

“He connected really well and finished his work.”

Bassett was also full of praise for mid-season rookie draftee Cam Sutcliffe, who was influential in the forward half, collecting 17 disposals, three clearances, three inside 50s and a goal in the 59-point win.

“It was a tough way for him to come in,” he said.

“He has generally done what we have asked of him to do in a side that hasn’t been travelling brilliantly in his first three games.

“It was great for him to play a role as a high forward. It was good to have some support around Connor (Rozee) and Zak Butters - someone who’s got some experience, and helps those younger guys.

“I thought he played a great game. He gave us some great shape on the ground and then got back inside 50, won some balls and importantly kicked the ball well.”

The 42-year-old understands the importance of Port’s run home to its finals chances, and says if his side can replicate the brand of football it produced against Essendon each week - starting with Sydney this weekend - then the matches against the Swans, North Melbourne and Fremantle are winnable.

“Each game is winnable if we play somewhere near our best,” Bassett said.

“We are aiming to play somewhere near our best each and every week. We play Sydney this week, who are a good competitive side.

“They are a very young team, and we know our best is good enough to beat them.”