CHARLIE Dixon's season-high five-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs came off the back of a week where he was under a significant injury cloud.
Dixon was best afield in Port Adelaide's 44-point win over the Bulldogs at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, taking the game apart with five of the Power's 10 goals in the contest.
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But there was no certainty the 27-year-old was going to be there.
"The body's sort of let me down a little bit in a few areas. But I'm getting old in football terms and I've got to be able to make sure my body's ready to go each week," Dixon told AFL.com.au.
"I've set myself up. I've got a decent tank now and feel like I can run all game so I've just got to keep performing."
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Coach Ken Hinkley said Dixon came into the game in a bit of doubt.
"He's had a pretty impressive week, to be honest," Hinkley said.
"He was a little bit sore through the week and got through and he probably played his best game.
"I'd say that's nearly his best game, in those conditions, for a big man."
Along with his five goals, Dixon had 14 disposals, took five marks inside 50 (three contested) and also dished off a goal assist.
In tough conditions for a key forward where the temperature sat at six degrees and the rain and wind blew right through Mars Stadium, Dixon's performance was superb.
"Early in that first quarter (the conditions) were horrendous," Dixon said.
"I don't mind these games. For a big fella, they're pretty simple.
"All you've got to do is create a contest and bring the ball to ground. I was lucky enough to have a couple where I was shoulders out and able to stick my hand up and duke a few.
"That's basically what I've got to do every week. Create a contest for my smalls and go from there."
The return of Paddy Ryder from a hip flexor injury was also significant for Port Adelaide's structure, with Dixon able to spend more time as the deepest forward.
"That's the upside for us. If Charlie can find that form and Paddy can stay fit and all of the rest of the boys play their role like they did today, it gives us a chance," Hinkley said.
