A disappointed yet always optimistic Kevin Sheedy said he was proud of his teams’ performance against Port Adelaide, however thought they could have won the game. “I thought if some of our better players had have played better we would have won the game. We were ahead at half-time and I probably thought we played around 75% of our ability. There were some players who could have played better. If our 22 players, well 21 after Bolton was injured, had of played to the best of their ability, we probably could have won the game, but we didn't. That is the penalty you suffer when you don't play somewhere near the best of your ability in any finals game,” Sheedy said.

Q. Do you think the result was a consequence of some of your better players not being out there?
A. Yes, but maybe five of them were - they have the ability and the talent to play better. I know some of them weren't out there but that is not what I am talking about - I am talking about the ones that were out there. I have no doubt the team should be a better side next year with the amount of players we have had out during the season and the opportunities we have been able to give to some of our younger players to consolidate their careers, has been terrific. I think Danny Jacobs and Mark Bolton have come on as a player, which has been important for our club. It is good to see young Rob Forster-Knight and Andrew Welsh, just grabbing that 15-25 game barrier.

Q. You seemed to lack goal power against Port?
A. We kicked eight goals and you aren't going to win many finals with that score. Our goal power has been down all year. Of the teams that are in the eight, I wouldn't be surprised if ours is the worst. Our backline has been quite good, but in fairness to Mark Harvey, he has had too many players not playing or out. It is up to us to get it better. We look forward to the draft and the next month. We have a game in London to play and that will give us an opportunity to have a look at a few kids and see if they will make it next year. That will be a very important game against Richmond in London on October 12th. I have already told a couple of young players that missed out on the finals that this is their big chance and a crucial match for us.

Q. Do you feel if you stayed close to Port, they may get a little nervous?
A. I think we wanted to be at least level or ahead at three quarter time. They had about 25 possessions more than us in the third quarter and they kicked clear of us and got their confidence back.

Q. Do you think Port Adelaide are a chance to beat Brisbane next weekend?
A. I don't think I will be putting any money on them. They have been fantastic but to go to Brisbane and win is a big effort. It depends on the balance of their side because Brisbane is a pretty good side.

Q. Do you think Chad Cornes was the difference between the two sides?
A. Cornes is a good player. To come out and have the career he is having is very pleasing for the family in particular. He has good hands, reads the play well and has good concentration and good courage. If he is not happy at Port Power get him to give me a call. One player in the forward line can be the difference if your own forward line is not firing. They got the ball inside their 50m, 10 more times than us.

Q. Will you encourage Paul Salmon to continue playing?
A. I will be honest - I have not thought about it and I have not spoken to Paul about it. I will have to talk to the club and work out what is happening in the ruck department. I think David Hille and Simon O'Keefe need to be brought on and we want big games from them in London. Paul has just done a marvelous job for us this year. I don't think we would have made the finals if it wasn't for Paul Salmon. It has been pleasing to see him comeback and show what can be done with dedication. He has a great rapport with the players and in the end the fans were appreciative of it. I think the fans have enjoyed seeing him perform the way he has - it is a great credit to him and his family.

Q. Has this been your hardest season coaching with regards to the number of injuries you have had?
A. It is really hard to judge - I have had a couple of seasons like this over my 22 years. It is pretty similar to 1986 where you lose Daniher, Watson, Van der Haar, Darren Williams and you are always trying to catch up and build another person in a different position. I think we lost Mercuri for seven, Alessio for seven, Hird and Lloyd and Fletcher just can't keep out of the tribunal. It is one of those situations that is a pain in the butt. The only bloke in the world you don't want to fall on you in Whitnall and he falls on Joe Misiti and he misses nine weeks. A season like this really tests you and it searches into your soul to find out why you love football as a coach.

Q. Were you close to playing Matthew Lloyd?
A. The most important thing is that Matthew Lloyd knows that this club cares about him. It might have been different if Fletcher was playing – he could have played in the forward line.

Q. Have you spoken to Fletcher?
A. I spoke to him straight after the game. He is a very awkward player, but he has to get better because than going up to the tribunal a couple of times a year - we can’t afford that. He is a brilliant player for us and a good person. Determination and a really good attitude – we don’t want to see you at the AFL tribunal; we just want to see you playing really good footy.