Port Adelaide’s bid for ‘group connection’ an ongoing process, says Richmond’s flag-winning football manager Neil Balme

Port Adelaide’s bid for ‘group connection’ and on-field progress won’t happen overnight, according to the man who has masterminded two Richmond premierships in the past three seasons.

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The man who has masterminded two Richmond premierships in the past three seasons says Port Adelaide’s bid for ‘group connection’ won’t happen overnight.

Tigers general manager of football Neil Balme was integral in building the close-knit unit which claimed the club’s first flag in 37 years in 2017 and repeated the success last season.

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Balme endorsed the Power’s attempt to follow a similar path, highlighted by their focus on togetherness between players and coaches at last month’s Sunshine Coast pre-season camp.

But the two-time Richmond premiership player said fostering a sense of connection, and reaping the on-field rewards, was an ongoing process.

“You certainly can create it,” Balme told SEN on Tuesday morning.

“You have to work on it.

“But it’s got to be ... natural otherwise it’s not true connection.

“It’s obvious when you think about it.

“If the team works together, you’re a better chance of winning.

“That’s all about connection.

Richmond general manager of football Neil Balme has overseen two Tigers premierships in the past three seasons. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

“It’s all about people relating to each other and feeling responsible to each other, so you push over and make the numbers or you make the shepherd.

“The things you do for each other, you do because you actually care about the next bloke and you want that to happen.

“So connection is really crucial. It’s so significant to what you do.”

Perth-born Balme, who coached Norwood to the 1982 and 1984 SANFL premierships, also oversaw a hat-trick of flag wins in his eight years as Geelong’s football operations manager.

His comments came after Port mentor Ken Hinkley outlined his vision for building closer bonds at the Power, during their training camp in Maroochydore before Christmas.

Port players and staff took part in everything from gruelling physical sessions to casual chats and even table tennis, as they aimed to build the platform for progress from last year’s 10th-place finish.

“(Group connection) is massive for us,” Hinkley told The Advertiser.

“The closer and tighter you can become, the better you can perform when you’re under real pressure.

“We’re getting really, really strong in that space.”