PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is thrilled with how Jared Polec has fitted into his line-up, labelling the former Brisbane Lion the best player on the ground in Saturday's win over Greater Western Sydney.
The fifth pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, Polec made just 16 appearances for the Lions before requesting a trade to the Power.
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And he has settled in beautifully, playing every game this year and showing the type of potential many knew he had.
In Canberra on Saturday, the 21-year-old tallied career highs in disposals (30), goals (three) and inside 50s (nine).
"He had a really strong game," Hinkley said after his side's 35-point win that took its record to 6-1.
"I think he was probably the best player on the ground, when you look at the game as a whole.
"He's had a really strong start to his season, he's really fitted in well at Port and getting some reward for his effort."
The Power had some troubles before the opening bounce, with both Alipate Carlile and Hamish Hartlett ruled out with viral infections.
Jay Schulz also had the same affliction and it was only decided at 10am on Saturday morning that he would play.
For the key forward to battle on and kick six goals, including four in the final term, drew admiration from his coach.
"We had three boys pretty crook after Thursday night," Hinkley said.
"We talk about things that can go wrong leading into a game and we probably had a few of them today.
"'Schulzy' to his credit went out there and played and kicked six, so he's had a pretty strong day, but Carlile and Hamish were really, really crook.
"We had Benny (Newton) in for his first game and Paul Stewart come back for his first game of the year, so we know we've still got some good players underneath who can come in to fill the holes."
Hinkley said all three sick players would be fine for next week's clash with Fremantle at Adelaide Oval.
