PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams has revised his opinion of Brett Ebert's game against North Melbourne, admitting the small forward was "pretty good".

Williams made the surprising comment in Sunday's post-match media conference that Ebert's game was "average", even though the 26-year-old finished with 19 possessions (12 contested), six marks, two goals and seven tackles.

Ebert received three votes from the AFL Coaches Association Player for his performance and, after reviewing the game tape, Williams said he'd underestimated his output, particularly his defensive efforts.

"It's always dangerous to have an exact opinion on someone straight after the game because sometimes you can't be certain," he said.

"My answer to the question (about Ebert's performance) was really guarded. I took some time thinking through it because in my mind straight after the game I had recollections of some good things Ebo did, but also some poor things he did so they cancelled each other out which meant not bad, not good but in between.

"Brett and I sat and watched the game together and he agreed that most of his disposals were no good. As a forward you have opportunities to kick goals or hit targets inside 50 and on Sunday in those two areas on he wasn't up to the standard he usually sets and that's what stuck in my mind.

"In reflection and after watching the tape after the game I thought his intensity, efforts and second efforts were as good as I've ever seen. Having watched the tape, he'll get a vote in the best and fairest. It wasn't his best game ... but it was pretty good."

Ebert will be a focal point in attack for the Power again this week, with teammates Daniel Motlop (hamstring) and Robbie Gray (back-related hamstring) still battling injury.

Defender Troy Chaplin will return to the side for Saturday night's clash with West Coast, having served a one-match ban for striking North Melbourne midfielder Andrew Swallow in round 22 last season.

David Rodan and Hamish Hartlett will play their first games of the season in the SANFL this weekend after long layoffs with injury.