Speaking after Wednesday’s main training session, Riley told reporters that the revamped Power, led by former GC SUNS senior assistant coach Ken Hinkley, would be a great test for the playing group after showcasing in the early rounds of 2013 that they’re capable of matching it against the competition’s biggest bodies.
“They are playing with great energy and vibrancy, they believe in their coach and how they want to play, and when you put all those things together it forms a wonderful brand of football,” said Riley.
“So we need to slow them down, tackle them and force it down our end and ensure we keep it there against Port Adelaide this Saturday night.”
While Riley never served alongside Hinkley at the GC SUNS, the experienced forwards coach worked closely with Power’s Director of Coaching and Strategy Alan Richardson at Carlton last year.
“Ken is a very experienced football man and Alan Richardson is a very experienced coach, and they have one of the leading sports fitness gurus in the league so they certainly have made some great off-field changes,” Riley said.
Riley believes the player’s ability to adapt to the high intensity game-style expected on Saturday night would ultimately determine whether the side sings the team song after the game.
“Our players need to be able to restructure in the heat of battle, restructure to a different style of structure that might not be their premium style of play,” said Riley.
“(But) it’s another good challenge and opportunity for our guys and they’re very much looking forward to attacking with more aggression in our forward-half this week.”
