Rockliff OK going into season cold

STAR recruit Tom Rockliff says he is not concerned that he will start his first season at Port Adelaide on limited match practice.

Reaffirming he will miss the pre-season Showdown against the Crows at Alberton Oval on Saturday with right knee soreness, former Brisbane captain Rockliff will go into Round 1 with just one internal practice match under his belt.

“Coming in fresh I would have liked to have had a little bit of continuity with the boys but in saying that we’ve done match play (drills) since the start of January,’’ Rockliff said.

“We’ll have another hitout again in the weekend off before Round 1, which will give me another opportunity to have a run around with the boys, so it’s no real concern.

“I think I’ve completed enough work during the preseason to hit the ground running and I’m really focused and looking forward to Round 1.’’

While the Power are expected to play their other big two off-season recruits, Jack Watts and Steven Motlop, against Adelaide, Rockliff will sit out his second consecutive match after hyperextending his knee a month ago.