On Sunday, Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd predicted that the Power would make the finals in 2009 and could even push for a double chance.
Primus described Port Adelaide’s preparation going into Sunday’s season-opener against the Bombers as ideal, but said a good summer did not guarantee a return to September action.
“I don’t know if that (a top-four finish) is realistic; there haven’t been too many teams that have finished where we did last year (13th) and then gone straight to the top-four,” Primus said on Monday.
“Our form has been okay in the NAB Cup and teams are wary of that, but we’ve seen over the years that teams who play well in the NAB Cup don’t necessarily go on to play finals or finish in the top four.
“Our players would love to play finals, but I’m sure Carlton, Richmond and Brisbane think the same. And then there are the teams that always get written off every year in Sydney and North Melbourne.
“It’s very difficult (to finish in the top eight) and we’ve got 22 games to go. You can always dream about it, but it’s bloody hard and we’ve got to realise that where we finished last year doesn’t give us automatic entry into the top eight.”
The Power should have a full complement of players, with the exception of draftee Jackson Trengove, to choose from ahead of Sunday’s clash with Lloyd’s Bombers.
Trengove (knee) was placed on the club’s long-term injury list last month, leaving the door open for impressive rookie Wade Thompson to be elevated.
Primus said a decision on whether or not the electrifying Thompson would be promoted to play against Essendon would be made later in the week.
“Wade’s definitely right in the mix and hasn’t done his chances any harm over the last month.”
Essendon has claimed round one victories in each of the past two seasons, including an emphatic win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in 2007.
The Power won just three games at home in 2008 and Primus said Sunday’s hit-out would be his side’s first chance to regain some respect at AAMI Stadium.
“Last year, teams came over to AAMI Stadium and beat us at home,” he said.
“We want to get back to making AAMI a difficult place to play and that starts this week against Essendon.”
It has been a tumultuous week for Port Adelaide, following revelations the club had sought financial aid from the AFL to help eradicate its multi-million-dollar debt.
Primus denied the Power’s money troubles had affected the players’ focus.
“The players want to know where the club is at and where their futures lie, but we’ve been assured by the board and the AFL as to where we’re at,” Primus said.
“We know we can do something about it (the financial situation) and that is trying to win games and making sure people enjoy the experience of coming to watch games at AAMI Stadium.”
