After a quiet month, ball magnet Dion Prestia managed to break the shackles of topline tagger Kane Cornes against Port Adelaide on Saturday and was a major influence in his side’s effort against Power.

Prestia had received plenty of attention from opposition run-with players since captain Gary Ablett went down, and apart from a 31-possession effort in the win over St Kilda, the prolific ball-winner was well held in losses to Carlton, Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs.

Power veteran Cornes had his measure in the opening term in horrid conditions on Saturday, but Prestia’s persisted and was one of the game’s most influential players in the final three terms.

He had 26 touches and laid nine tackles, but crucially in a congested game he picked up ten clearances to equal his career high, which was four more than any other player in a GC SUNS uniform.

Coach Guy McKenna said he was pleased one of his vice-captains was able to show growth in his game after a tough period.

“....Dion Prestia today went to another level, getting tagged, like he has done the past three weeks,” McKenna said.

“Gary’s not there. If Gary was there, would that be happening to Dion? No.

“We’re learning a lot about the group in this situation. We’ve never been in this situation as a group, as a club.

“We’re not winning at the moment, but individually there are some massive steps forward.”

McKenna was also full of praise for another player in his leadership group, David Swallow.

The West Australian is below full fitness, but lifted superbly in the final quarter as he willed himself to get to several important contests.

“David Swallow, in the condition he is in, how he continues to play and be so combative at the ball just amazes you.”