Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff says the club can make the finals in 2013. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser
PORT Adelaide utility Justin Westhoff is upbeat about the sense of revival under new coach Ken Hinkley, saying the summer has delivered promise both on and off the field.
He was picked up by the Power in the 2006 draft and has played under Mark Williams, Matthew Primus and now Hinkley.
Westhoff said that until now, the club never quite had the feel it does on the eve of the 2013 season. So much so that he believes Port Adelaide can challenge for the finals.
Port has impressed in the practice matches, with wins over premiers Sydney and flag contenders West Coast.
"I think the momentum with the new major sponsor, with Kochie (chairman and TV identity David Koch) jumping on board, new coaches - it's just re-energised the club," Westhoff said.
"Getting young guys playing well is good for us older guys and puts a bit of pressure back on us to perform.
I think in the last month it's really picked up another notch
"All of those things have come together and it's probably helped the club a lot.
"In previous years, it's been in dribs and drabs and for the first few months.
"The club is in pretty good stead and the players and coaches are feeling that.
"Looking on the last few games, I think we've come a long way from last year.
"We've got really good momentum coming into the season.
"(But) we're definitely not getting ahead of ourselves.
"The things we are doing well are the hard things.
"I think in the last month it's really picked up another notch.
"We've had a really tough pre-season with Darren (fitness coach Darren Burgess) coming back, which has been a key for the club.
"It's put everybody in good stead to have a really good season.
"And with Ken, just with his professionalism and passion, he just wants to get the best out of everybody and just wants to win.
"I think that's pervaded over everyone.
"He's got the right guys on board and I think that's turned the club in the right direction.
"I think all the players and all the support staff are feeling that at the moment."
Westhoff said the priority during the pre-season had been about defence and accountability, coupled with maintaining intensity rather than players going missing.
"Tackling and contested possession - if we can do that well ... we've probably talked about it over the last two years but at the moment we are doing those things well and that's coming out on the board and has enabled us to stay in games and compete with the top-tier teams."
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