It’s always a tough game heading over to Adelaide to take on Port, so we were really happy to come home with the points. I think the way the boys played was terrific and defensively we were on our game, which is what won us the game in the end. It was a really pleasing effort to beat a quality side who were only a few weeks ago sitting two games clear on top of the ladder.

Benny McGlynn was terrific in our win over Port. His desire and attack around the footy was superb and then he also had a bit of an impact when he went forward late in the game, so his contribution was really important. His game was a fair indication of how he is playing this year, because he’s been producing these kinds of efforts for the last couple of months. His form hasn’t really come as a surprise as we’ve always known he’s had the tools to perform the way he is right now. He probably just needed to believe in himself and couple that with more opportunities. He had a couple of good games late last year in the midfield and that gave him that self-belief, and he’s showing that again this year. He’s always had the tools to be a great player – he’s hard, he loves a contest and loves to win, so that adds up to a good midfielder. Unfortunately, Benny misses Saturday’s match with a calf injury, but it gives an opportunity to another of our youngsters.

One of those players who has stepped up this year and has shown he is an important member of the side is Jake Lloyd. Jake has been the sub for two weeks in a row and there are some guys who you might look at after they have been the sub for a couple of weeks and worry that they might drop out of the side, but Lloydy isn’t one of them. He is a player who we know can have an impact when he comes on the ground. In the last couple of weeks he’s come on and has had eight touches in a quarter, and last week kicked an important goal when the game was on the line. The goal was really a sign of his maturity as a player and he really iced the game with that kick.

We face St Kilda at the SCG this Saturday, and while they are not placed in the top eight of the competition, we certainly can’t underestimate them. To be honest, we don’t really look at the ladder anymore because the competition is just so close. We just try to control what we can control and play to our standards, and we think that will hold us in good stead against anyone. We’re expecting St Kilda to bounce back from a narrow loss where they really pushed the Western Bulldogs, who have been in reasonable form. We also can’t overlook the fact that a couple of weeks ago they gave Fremantle a bit of a touch up, so we certainly need to be on our game.

It will also be great to see Lance Franklin reach his 200th game this week. I dare say he has a pretty handy highlights reel, but it really is a great achievement for him. He’s had a really good career and there is plenty more to come. Hopefully we can have a win this weekend and give him a match to remember.