COACH Paul Roos says Port Adelaide is a “complete football team” and the best in the business after 10 rounds into the season.
Speaking in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash against the Power at TIO Traeger Park Oval, Roos said it was a great opportunity for his improving team to take on the top of the table team.
“It’s going to be a very, very tough game. They’re a hard-running team and I think people underestimate their hardness around the football and the pressure they put on the opposition,” he said from AAMI Park on Tuesday.
“They play top grade football and that’s why they’ve only lost a game – and it’s going to be really hard
“At this stage, Port is the best team in the competition, because the ladder tells us that and they beat the reigning premiers (Hawthorn) last week. As we stand here now, Port should be rated currently the best team in the comp.”
Roos said it was exciting for the Demons to play the Power in the first home and away clash in Alice Springs.
“Port’s an exciting team … it’s good to get the top team, playing in front of the fans and promoting the game, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s a really good venue and we got a great reception up there when we played Geelong [during the NAB Challenge in February this year], so the players are pretty excited about playing.
“We’re really looking forward to the game.”
Reflecting on last weekend’s bye, Roos said it was great for the club to go into the break with a win under its belt, achieved against Richmond in round nine.
“We think we’ve done a lot of things right in the first nine games, but there’s certainly a lot of stuff that we need to do better to compete with the better teams. That’ll take some time, but we think we’re on the right path,” he said.
“Everyone needed a weekend off – it’s just how you bounce back after that.
“It’s something that all coaches enjoy, but they’re all fearful as well, because when you come back, the players can be a bit rusty and you’ve got to get them back going again.”
Meanwhile, Roos indicated key defender-turned-forward James Frawley was likely to return from a toe/hamstring injury, replacing the suspended Chris Dawes.
“Dawesy’s been in good form and we’re going to miss him – there’s no question, but certainly having Frawley come back, you almost get a like for like. They’re different types, but they’re going to play similar positions,” he said.
