The Lions won the battle for territory on Sunday afternoon against Port Adelaide, producing their best first quarter of footy this season.

Leading by 30 points at quarter time, Ruck and Midfield Coach Ben Hudson said their aim was to start strong and eliminate the Power’s strengths.

“It was a great start, that was a focus going in, it is difficult to win, we haven’t won at Adelaide oval ever,” Hudson told lions.com.au.

“To get a seven-goal start [it] set us up for the rest of the game.”

Hudson admits the game was in the Lions’ grasp early, with Stefan Martin and Oscar McInereny’s efforts in the ruck contributing to winning territory and limiting Port Adelaide gaining momentum.  

“We knew against Port we had to win the clearance as they rely heavily on that to get their territory game,” he said.

“Going into the game we knew Port were really good at scoring in their back half and I think we restricted them to two points from turnover.

“So to do that, taking away an oppositions weapon was a terrific effort.”

McInerney was strong in his return, after being cleared from concussion suffered in Round 15.

“He was terrific, he played his role, him and Stef were able to get first hands on it,” Hudson said.

With Port Adelaide focusing their attention on Lachie Neale, midfielder Jarryd Lyons popped up and was unstoppable. Lyons produced a spectacular performance with 36 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

Captain Dayne Zorko also ran free for majority of the game. He was classy in attack and tenacious in defence coming away with three goals, 24 disposals and 21 kicks.

“Lach played a real selfless role and stepped out, and then obliviously ‘JL’ and Zorks’ really stepped up, along with the rest,” Hudson said.

“I think that’s where success comes from, the depth that we have coming through we aren’t worried about who cops a tag or gets the attention.”

The Lions were unbeatable in every term not losing one quarter, winning the first (43-13), second (23-9), fourth (13-9) and equalling the third (18-18) in a first this year.

“I think in those situations you just attack the ball and this week we were able to do it a bit better than they were,” Hudson said. 

“The ability to turn around and they were always going to make a run and they did in the third quarter and we were able to negate that kick on in the last quarter.” 

The Lions take on North Melbourne at the Gabba this Saturday the 20^th of July at 7:25pm.