Online Game Day: All the News & More
Primus was forced to defend the Power's culture after a comment by assistant coach Dean Laidley on Melbourne radio last weekend there was "a cultural problem within the playing group".
Latest Training Photos
President Brett Duncanson expressed his disappointment in Laidley's comments, suggesting Primus would address the matter with the former North Melbourne coach.
Primus said he had no issue with his assistant coaches putting forward their views in the media, but was keen to clarify Laidley's remarks at a press conference on Thursday.
"When we talk about the culture, the culture of this club is fantastic. It has a great history, there are great people that work here, our supporters and sponsors and the fabric of the club is no worries at all," Primus said.
"We're talking about the culture of our playing group being able … to play competitive and consistent football week in and week out.
"That's what we're talking about, not the culture of the Port Adelaide Football Club."
Port Adelaide has won only once this season, against Adelaide in round four, and has been criticised for its second-half fade out against Gold Coast in round five and a 60-point loss to North Melbourne last weekend.
The club has dropped several high-profile players this season, including Kane Cornes and Danyle Pearce and leadership group members Jacob Surjan and Steven Salopek.
Primus said he would continue to make changes at selection until he found a group of in-form players willing and able to put in a consistent effort and adhere to team disciplines.
"You only have to look at the way Essendon has gone about it. Every team is preaching the same thing, your team defence and team work ethic, and everyone playing their role," he said.
"We'll keep educating them, and the players who don’t move into that and don’t learn quick enough will go back and learn it in the SANFL.
"We're all in it as a group. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, as they say, and we're well aware of our group, what their needs are and what they need to work on.
"We can only go forward if the whole group goes forward, not if 10 players do and five don't."
Pearce has been recalled to the team to play Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Friday night following a strong performance for Sturt in the SANFL.
Forward Jay Schulz, who has not played since straining his medial ligament in the Power's loss to Collingwood in round one, is also likely to return against the Hawks.
Ruckman Dean Brogan (Achilles) completed training on Thursday and will be named in the side, but the club will wait until Friday morning to make a final decision on his availability.
Defender Cam O'Shea will be given a week off to recover from an AC joint injury.