Having a ball is Marshall’s secret

ADVICE from Port Adelaide star Travis Boak and coach Ken Hinkley has helped forward Todd Marshall produce two career-best performances.

Four weeks ago, Marshall (pictured) was shifted to defence in the last quarter of the home loss against Hawthorn after struggling to influence the game, registering four disposals and no goals.

His form prompted lengthy chats during the next week with ex-captain Boak and Hinkley, who told him to stop putting so much pressure on himself and enjoy his football.

Marshall has responded with two five-goal hauls – in the Showdown in round 3 and the 84-point breakthrough win over West Coast on Saturday.

He pointed to the sky after an early major against the Eagles – a tribute to his late father, Robert, on the fourth anniversary of his passing.

Boak, whose dad Roger died from stomach cancer in 2005, has become a mentor to Marshall. Hinkley has been a staunch defender when external criticism has been directed at the 23-year-old.

“I had some good conversations during the week (after playing the Hawks) with Ken and with Travis Boak as well, who’s been really good for me just in a mentor sense,” said Marshall, who twice went out for lunch with his veteran teammate leading up to the Crows game.

“I was probably putting a bit too much pressure on myself to make sure every kick was perfect or had to win every contest. The chats I had were to narrow my focus and bring it back to just competing as a tall forward and stuff comes off that. I wasn’t playing my best football so the confidence in them backing me helps a lot.”

Marshall had copped plenty of knocks from outside the club but the 2016 No.16 draft pick said he was grounded and knew how to handle it.

The spotlight has focused more on Marshall and fellow tall forwards Mitch Georgiades and Jeremy Finlayson with spearhead Charlie Dixon out.

Marshall said it was nice to get a win on Saturday and was looking forward to facing St Kilda in Cairns this weekend.