Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas says the Power's painful past is helping them work towards a prosperous future as they prepare to take on GWS in Canberra on Saturday.
Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas, who has extended his contract with the club. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia
PORT Adelaide is drawing motivation from its horror seasons before Ken Hinkley's arrival to remain on course after reaching the top of the AFL ladder.
The memories of 10 and 20-goal beltings remain raw in the minds of the players who were in struggle town only three seasons ago and they serve as a sharp reminder of what can happen if they lose their focus.
Defender Tom Jonas, who has been through both the good and the bad, said the occasional look in the rear view mirror would add fuel to the Power's finals tilt this season.
There is no more obvious clue trigger than the loss to GWS in 2012, which led to Matthew Primus' sacking.
"I think moments like those a couple of years ago make you appreciate how well we're going now and not take it for granted,'' Jonas said.
"Just take every day as it comes and keep improving ... not wanting to go back there.''
There is now a completely different mindset at Port.
Appreciate the pressure and the fact that the Power is being hunted, rather than seeing each week as a threat.
Jonas outworks Geelong's George Burbury. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia
"Over the past few years we've had a lot of challenges and (now) we love them,'' Jonas said. "Keep throwing them our way.''
Jonas, who has just signed a new contract, also spoke of the changes that have happened under Ken Hinkley and how the club was embracing the sense of expectation that is now surrounding the Power.
But Port had decided to accept and enjoy the pressure of being on top rather than playing it down.
"We've had a fair bit of expectation all year, so far,'' Jonas said.
"But we've done really well with that.
"We've been to Perth and got a good win, had a really good win against Geelong on the weekend.
"We have high expectations internally, work really hard and do what we can to keep improving.''
The change of form at Alberton made his decision to sign and easy one.
"Kenny's been great,'' Jonas said.
"He's got a great support network but he's also has a massive focus on doing the little things right and have really high expectations from his players.
"He's really riding us and having really high expectations from the group.''
Hinkley, in turn, was quick to make a fuss of Jonas's improvement and commitment.
The other quality that stood out to Hinkley was his versatility.
"He's now announcing himself as a really strong defender, he can play tall, he can play small," Hinkley said.
"He's also one of our really strong young leaders at the club, he's already in the leadership group and he's just gone from strength to strength.
"He's an important part of our backline and an important part of our whole football club so it's really exciting to have him signed on.
"He's the example you want to look for, when you're looking for people who want to get the most out of themselves.
"Tom does everything he can to make himself the best player he can be and the best person he can be."
Power won’t stop now it’s top
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Power won’t stop now it’s top
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