Ryan Burton says all Port players are on notice after the axing of Paddy Ryder and Justin Westhoff

Defender Ryan Burton says getting physical and taking no spot for granted is working at Port Adelaide after upset win over Geelong.

Port Adelaide’s Ryan Burton tackles Geelong’s Gary Ablett during the Round 14 match at Adelaide Oval. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

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Ryan Burton says the omissions of Paddy Ryder and Justin Westhoff weren’t a wake-up call but Port Adelaide must continue the supreme physicality that upset Geelong.

Port responded to a final quarter clearance drubbing that cost victory against Fremantle by toppling the league’s best contested ball unit last Saturday.

Geelong was the only side with a forward-50 positive ground ball differential after 13 rounds but Port finished +18 at Adelaide Oval. Port’s contested ball differential was +36 and +14 from post-clearances against the Cats which secured the path to victory.

“We were reminded of it a little bit because of what happened in the final quarter against Fremantle but we have done it most of the year,” said Burton of seventh-placed Port’s attack on the ball.

Port Adelaide’s Ryan Burton is tackled by Gary Ablett of the Cats. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It is basically second nature for us and that is where we want to get to, four quarters of hard, tough footy. We expect from each other from now on.”

Utility Westhoff’s 135-game run was halted with demotion as Port responded savagely to its Fremantle fade-out. Ruck-forward Ryder was also surplus to requirements against Geelong and will front with Westhoff in the SANFL against North Adelaide.

“Not too much of a wake-up call other than no-one’s spot in the side is cemented,” said Burton of the high profile omissions.

“Everyone has to be playing good footy and in form and some other guys got their opportunity.”

Port Magpies’ SANFL bye meant veterans Westhoff and Ryder had no chance to impress and take on the Western Bulldogs this Saturday night.

“I think they were really disappointed they didn’t get the chance to prove themselves. I think they are raring to play some footy,” he said.

“I guess they might want to play a game in the twos, get a bit of confidence back that might have been lacking a bit in the past few weeks.”

Paddy Ryder during a Port Adelaide training session at Alberton Oval on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

Ruckman Peter Ladhams and rookie Willem Drew will push to replace suspended utility Dougal Howard and Karl Amon.

“There have been a few players screaming out to play like Willem Drew and Peter Ladhams so it could provide an opportunity for them,” said Burton, chuffed at tumble-punting an eighth career goal against the Cats.

Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs have five wins this season but can punish in their transition from defensive to forward 50. Sam Lloyd has 22 goals, high leaping Aaron Naughton 18 and premiership sharp-shooter Tory Dickson 12. South Australian midfielder Caleb Daniel is enjoying career-best touch averaging 28.2 touches per game.

“They have some very damaging players, very good going from defensive to forward 50. Collingwood touched us up and the Bulldogs pushed them all the way to the final siren and will be a tough side to beat,” said 58-game half-back Burton, recruited from Hawthorn last off-season.

Tom Clurey kept big Cat Tom Hawkins to no mark for the first time in his 244-game career. Burton knows Clurey is up for whatever challenge the Dogs throw at him.

“We will have to dig deep again,” he said.

“I am not sure if Clurey gets a job like he did last week but whoever he plays on I have full faith he will get the job done.”