Port Adelaide’s new SANFL coach Matthew Lokan up for the challenge of fitting with the Power playbook

MATTHEW Lokan knows taking the reins of Port Adelaide’s SANFL side is likely to be very different to when he coached Glenelg.

Former Glenelg coach Matthew Lokan takes the reins of Port Adelaide’s SANFL side this season. He replaces Chad Cornes at the helm. Picture: Supplied.

MATTHEW Lokan knows taking the reins of Port Adelaide’s SANFL side is likely to be very different to when he coached Glenelg.

Although calling the shots for the Magpies, Lokan will have to remember — and stick to — a game plan fitting the Power playbook.

He will also be dealing with potential team changes each week with AFL players dropping in and out.

But the former Magpies forward, who has taken over from Chad Cornes, is confident of overcoming the challenges.

“Hopefully the AFL side doesn’t have too many injuries and they have a reasonably consistent team,” said Lokan, who coached Glenelg from 2015-17.

“Chad (Cornes) and the other development coaches come out to Magpie training once a week and we spend a fair bit of time going through the structure and how it’s going to look during the season.

“Although at times it is difficult … I think it will run reasonably smooth.

“There’s a requirement of mine to be able to coach the same way as (Power coach) Ken (Hinkley).

“The guys have been really supportive of getting me up to speed of what they expect and the way we want to play.”

Port lost eight of its players who featured in the grand final defeat to Sturt last season to either rival clubs or AFL delisting.

Lokan, who played 112 league games for Port, was optimistic the combination of AFL-listed and contracted players was good enough to help the Magpies earn a finals berth again.

“We certainly think we have enough depth on our list to make sure we are competitive and a good league side,” Lokan, 34, said.

“Twenty-eight of the guys training with us are new to our footy club, so the biggest message I’ve tried to take to them over summer is getting them to understand the Port Adelaide way and what it means to play at the club.”

Port plays Adelaide in a “SANFL Showdown” to kick off its season at home on Saturday, March 31.

LOOKING AHEAD

GUN RECRUIT

Michael Ortiz has been lured to Alberton from Sturt’s 2017 under-18 premiership side.

The 19-year-old forward will be a handy addition to the Magpies should injuries occur to AFL-listed players.

Ortiz is known for his speed and accuracy in front of goal.

He booted five majors in the Double Blues’ grand final win.

Sam Davidson will add on-ball depth to the Magpies’ midfield rotation. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

ONE TO WATCH

Mitchell Mead — the eldest son of Port Adelaide SANFL triple premiership defender Darren Mead — is a new face at Alberton this year.

Mitchell played the majority of last season with Woodville-West Torrens’ under-18s, booting 16 goals from 15 games.

RISING STAR

Port awarded former Gold Coast Suns academy member Sam Davidson a league contract this year after the 19 year old was overlooked at November’s national draft.

The outside midfielder is quick and adds on-ball depth.

BIG OFF-SEASON

The Magpies have another son-of-a-gun on their list after retaining Darcy Ginever in its academy team — which plays in the SANFL reserves competition — for another year.

Darcy is the son of seven-time premiership player Tim Ginever and is in contention to receive one of the remaining eight league contracts.

PORT 2017 SEASON RECALL

FINISHED

Second

BEST & FAIREST

1 Brendon Ah Chee

2 Jimmy Toumpas

3 Brett Eddy

LEADING GOALKICKER

Brett Eddy 59

Originally published as Port Adelaide’s new SANFL coach Matthew Lokan up for the challenge of fitting with the Power playbook