Port Adelaide has singled out maturity as key to flicking the switch and turning games around

PORT Adelaide wingman Jared Polec believes the experience gained in the off-season is a key ingredient to the Power’s improved ability to create momentum swings.

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PORT Adelaide wingman Jared Polec believes added maturity is a key ingredient to the Power’s improved ability to create momentum swings.

Polec, who is playing pain free after overcoming a hamstring injury, said the addition of senior players from other clubs and another year in the system for the rest of the group was crucial in the turnaround against Sydney and the way Port stifled Fremantle’s counter-attacks in Round 1.

Jared Polec marks for the Power against the Swans on Sunday. Picture: AAP Image/Brendan Esposito

It had been a matter of noticing trends within games earlier and the team leaders having the tools to quickly change the way they play.

“I think it shows maturity in the side and trust from the coaches also,” Polec said. “That the players will have their back and turn things around.

“We were losing contested ball, ground ball — pretty much losing every stat on the ground.

“To be able to turn that around and turn it into our favour ... it was definitely the leaders and the coaches.”

Among the standout recruits after the Power’s heavy trading season have been Jack Watts and Dom Barry (ex Melbourne), former Cat Steven Motlop and former Kangaroos Lindsay Thomas, who was dominant in the SANFL.

Port Adelaide's Jared Polec celebrates kicking a goal with teammates Hamish Hartlett and Sam Powell-Pepper. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The added bonus of having those players joining the club — along with Jack Trengove (Melbourne) and Trent McKenzie (Gold Coast) — has been the football intelligence they have brought with them from elsewhere.

“We would have had a pretty young side if those three or four boys hadn’t come into the side,” Polec said. “It’s really given us good maturity.

“And also bringing in leadership from other clubs into our culture helps us a long way as well.

“All clubs kind of play the same way but they tinker a little bit and just to hear what they have to say and how they ran things at their clubs.

“To bring that over here adds knowledge and the more knowledge the better.

“We’re really positive at the moment — as anybody would be after a couple of wins.

“But yes, it’s got good vibes.”