Power must stand up and be counted

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says the club has to earn back respect this season. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has one demand of his Power players this season - that they stand up and establish a reputation as "brave" footballers.

Hinkley today will learn how ready they are for this task as they face their traditional bully, AFL premier Sydney, in the pre-season closer at AAMI Stadium.

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The Swans have beaten Port in their past eight games dating back to 2006.

And the method is always the same - pushing physically and mentally fragile Power players out of the contest.

Hinkley says the era of change at Alberton this pre-season - with a new fitness regime - has made his players less vulnerable.

(Playing Sydney) is a great test for us - as it was last week against West Coast. This competition is tough

"From my point of view, I've not seen them fail in that area," Hinkley said.

"Right through the pre-season they have welcomed that sort of test and I expect them to welcome it again this weekend.

"Sydney is clearly a test. They probably bash up most sides with their strong-bodied midfielders - Kennedy, O'Keefe, Jack, McVeigh, Hannebery.

"It's a great test for us - as it was last week against West Coast. This competition is tough."

Port's mental challenge today is to prove the six-point win against AFL pacesetter West Coast in Alice Springs can be backed up with an equally sound performance against the Swans.

For the past three years, the Power has not been able to pass the consistency test.

"It's the No. 1 thing we've talked about this week," said Hinkley.

"We must make sure we are consistent in our effort. Last week we showed we can compete against a good AFL side.

"This week we  get an opportunity against the premiers to show we can actually back that up."

Hinkley yesterday declared Port was "really ready" for the AFL premiership season. But he conceded the Power players were still to be fully tested - a situation that will come to a rapid end today.

fries (hamstring) and key forward John Butcher (hip).

They will each play a half with Monfries more in the frame than Butcher for the Power's premiership-season opener against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday week.

Hinkley and his match committee are still debating as many as four places for Port's 22 to face the Demons in the club's only MCG appearance this season.

"There are 15-16 you pretty much know are going to be there," said Hinkley.

Port today can send a message through the AFL by performing against the Swans.

The consequences of recent poor seasons are reflected on the Power being ranked the underdog against the Demons.

It is a measure of the respect Port has to earn  back.

"And rightly so," said Hinkley.

"We have to earn that - and it will come from performance."

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