The Power’s NAB Cup run came to an end on Friday night, with the Bulldogs winning a dramatic semi-final by three points at Etihad Stadium.
But after big pre-season wins over Adelaide (56 points) and West Coast in Perth (78 points), Cassisi said Port’s pre-season had been a success and a great learning curve for its young players.
“We’re quite happy with our form for the first three weeks with such a young team that we’ve fielded,” Cassisi told Bigpond Sports Weekend on Saturday.
“The young guys have brought a lot of enthusiasm to the group, they’re very competitive and they’re looking to impress. They’ve really lifted the bar.
“The Crows game, no one in Adelaide really expected us to win that, so that was a great get. And then to fly to Perth and put up such a great effort there with quite a few of our key players out was a good sign for us.
“It’s been an impressive start.”
First round draft pick Andrew Moore, rookie Cameron Hitchcock and tall forward Daniel Stewart were three players Cassisi said had stood up this pre-season, while Mitch Banner continued an impressive run of form against the Dogs.
"He (Banner) is a midfielder and he’s kicked five goals in the three games,” Cassisi said. “He’s got that really good balance of providing the defensive pressure and pushing forward to kick goals, which is vital for a midfielder these days.
“Daniel Stewart’s done a great job coming off the rookie list - he’s a big boy that just moves really well and he’s got a presence out there.
“If there’s anyone standing in front of him, he’ll run into them and bring the ball to ground and when the ball hits the ground he’s still involved for a big player.
“He’s got an exciting year ahead of him.”
A recruit of a different kind, assistant coach Dean Laidley, has also made an impact on the Power’s game style and Cassisi said the former North Melbourne coach was working well with Mark Williams.
“He’s been a huge addition to the club and full credit to the club for going to seek his services,” Cassisi said.
“He and ‘Choco’ have got a really good friendship, I think they’ve had that over a long period of time, and the most pleasing thing is how those two have worked together at the footy club.
“With the other coaches as well, they’re really pushing the group and we’ve got a great learning environment there for the young group.
“I think he’s really enjoying being out of the spotlight a little bit, just sitting in the background and really pushing our group.”
