IT IS a simple formula – when Danyle Pearce plays well Port Adelaide wins in 2009.

The skilful 23-year-old has racked up 20-plus possessions in four of Port Adelaide’s five wins this season.

In the Power’s other win, over Adelaide in round six, Pearce had 17 disposals but still contributed with two vital goals.

However, in Port Adelaide’s losses this year the former Sturt junior has failed to break the 20-possession-mark, averaging just 16. His six goals have also come in winning sides.

Pearce said greater consistency from him would go a long way to correcting the Power’s fluctuating form.

“I know that if I play well it definitely helps the team and I have to make sure that my good performances are the standard I produce every week,” Pearce said.

“I’ve looked at my stats and seen that they’ve been down when we’ve lost. I have to pick those number up and, hopefully, I can contribute to a few more wins.”

Pearce is best known for running goals and dashing down the wings of AAMI Stadium. But there is plenty more to his game.

Last week against Richmond he picked up nine contested possessions out of 24, had nine inside 50s, three clearances and seven tackles to go with his return of 1.2.

“I have a goal to finish high up in the tackle count,” he said.

“Last year, I was fourth at the club in tackles and I want to make sure I keep that top-five consistency. I have to make sure I come out each week and really have that as a focus.”

Pearce, who recently became a father to seven-month-old daughter Kyla, shot to stardom in 2006 when he was crowned the NAB AFL Rising Star.

He was confronted with taggers early in his career and said he was still learning to cope with the attention.

“Winning the NAB Rising Star was a tremendous honour and I loved every minute of it, but because of it, people do recognise you and the expectations of you jump from basically nothing, as a first-year player, to a totally different standard,” he said.

“I’m finding myself getting tagged most weeks now, so I’ve just got to make sure I get over the mental hurdle that someone is going to come to me.”

Pearce is South Australian born and bred. His mother’s family hails from the coast near Port Lincoln and his father’s from the south of the state.

Pearce said he, like all the indigenous players, was looking to find a bit extra in the AFL Indigenous Round.

“I grew up in the city with my family and even to this day when I sit down with my grandmother and my mother they tell me all about our family tree and our bloodlines,” he said.

“Guys like Daniel and Marlon Motlop probably had a bit more active involvement (with the indigenous community) through going out hunting and fishing, but I was happy with my upbringing and I don’t think I missed out.

“This week means a lot to us. You go out wanting not only to win for your team, but  also to make everyone proud.”