North Adelaide face testing challenge against Port Magpies

NORTH Adelaide is to go on the attack in a bid to upset a Port Adelaide outfit flooded with AFL talent at Alberton Oval today

12-7-14 - SANFL - Round 13 - Port Adelaide v North Adelaide at Alberton Oval - Andrew Moore Picture Simon Cross

North Adelaide is to go on the attack in a bid to upset a Port Adelaide outfit flooded with AFL talent at Alberton Oval today.

Roosters coach Ken McGregor admitted his players had to have an aggressively attacking mindset or face defeat.

“They are a good side on paper but we can’t go into the game thinking about their strengths,’’ McGregor said. “We have to attack them.

“We need to pressure the ball carrier and get turnovers, then get good delivery into the forward line.’’

Port had 18 Power-listed players in its line-up when it smashed South Adelaide in its season opener to put rivals on notice it will be an extremely tough nut to crack when fielding such AFL depth.

There are 17 Power players named in the 23-man squad for today’s contest and that will probably grow after the club finalises its AFL requirements.

The Roosters came from behind to conquer Adelaide last weekend in their first game of the season and McGregor said the side must lift the standard to triumph in Alberton.

“We did not play close to our potential last week,’’ McGregor said. “The boys did what they had to win and we can take positives out of that.

“But we feel we will have to play better to get the result this week and that is the mindset we will take into the game.’’

The Roosters included Joe Anderson, Michael Clinch and Alan Obst in a 23-man squad while Aleksander Kangur was sent back to the reserves.

Anderson has not played since being injured in the opening trial while Clinch appeared in the club’s trials but missed selection for the game against the Crows.

The round will be completed tomorrow when Woodville-West Torrens hosts Norwood and South Adelaide takes on Sturt at Hickinbotham Oval.