Port Adelaide ruckman Dean Brogan reckons that any pressure faced by the Power this week will be small beer compared to the suffocating expectations that gripped the club in the lead-up to their 2004 AFL premiership.

While Port's opponent the Kangaroos have spent much of the week highlighting how they have nothing to lose in travelling to AAMI Stadium for a preliminary final against the Power, Brogan countered by saying his side was not feeling anything like the strain of 2004.

"I think 2004 we had more expectation on us than we have now, we have a good mix of old and young and we're just happy around each other and winning games," Brogan said.

"Everything that needs to be said has been said, since midyear break we've taken it one week at a time and this week is no different.

"We're going along, having fun, looking forward to training and there's a few guys who missed out three years ago who want to make a statement."

Among the players to have developed from inexperienced non-participant in 2004 to key performer is class small forward Brett Ebert, and his fitness is the only real issue for the Power as they near Saturday afternoon.

Ebert suffered a bruised knee in the final seconds of Port's narrow qualifying final win over West Coast, and even with a week off is yet to recover fully.

Brogan, who himself was given an epidural two weeks ago to relieve back pain, expected Ebert to be ready to train on Friday.

"I think Ebo's just a bit sore, he did a pool session today and trained on Monday so I think we've a full list to choose from which is great, and I don't think many other clubs would be able to say that," he said.

"My back's been really good for a number of years but it was one of those things, went down to pick up a ball (in the warm-up prior to round 18 v Adelaide) and it sort of ripped, and since then I've had a bit of neural pain down my leg but nothing major.

"I had an epidural to settle it down and it worked. Everyone's got sore backs and ankles, so I'm no different to anyone else, just a bit more bruisy."

Much attention at training, which was watched by a healthy and vocal crowd, centred on soon to be retired defender Darryl Wakelin, who must displace his backline pupil Alipate Carlile in order to take part in one last finals campaign.

"I think a fit Darryl Wakelin adds a dimension to our side, but Alipate Carlile's been doing a good job," Brogan said.

"The backline's pretty settled so not sure which way the coaching staff are going to go but if he gets selected I'm sure he'll do a good job."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP