How do you assess that win?
We were aware of the opportunity that presented. I was really pleased with the way we went about it from the start. We tailed off, we got a bit sloppy a couple of times, which is what we saw last week  - just some basic errors with ball handling when really could have put it right to the sword.But fundamentally I'm pleased with the guys work ethic. I think looking at the big picture, if you had said we were going to secure top spot with one round to go, we would take that every day of the week, and be relatively fit and healthy. I think it's the first time in the club's history, so we tick that box. But we understand it's just the starting point for the real season. It's really about getting a good grid position to attack the real season. But these games count. You've got to get them done. You just look around at the round, and there's always upsets and there's teams under that beat the teams above them. I was pleased. Obviously Walters and Fyfe and Ballantyne are important to us, and we subbed out Pav to manage him. There's some real upside in us as well. But we understand they're a struggling team that's trying to rebuild. But we needed to do what we did. We could have been a bit more emphatic, but overall it was pleasing.

Is there now an opportunity to rest players for next weekend?
We've clearly had discussions. We've earned that opportunity. That sits within the rules of the AFL. We are fatigued. There does need to be management of our players. There's no impact on any other teams in the competition. It doesn't impact Port. We can't improve or lessen our position. Clearly it's an opportunity. We'll formally contact the AFL tomorrow. Clearly it's an opportunity and something we're thinking about. That flags it with everyone. What the exact look of that is - I don't know. Who it is - I don't know. But it's nice to be in that position. And also as we understand it, not to impinge on the integrity of the competition, because that's really important. So that avails us that opportunity.

Off the top of your head are there any players who need a rest?
In the cold light of day tomorrow we'll assess that with all the relevant information. Our strength and conditioning guys are data dominated. They'll produce the data and facts. We'll look at form and our medical will put through all the injuries, because no team gets to this stage of the year where people aren't carrying things. But we also respect we need to hit the finals in good form and be competing. We'll try to strike that balance. But clearly one will suffer at the expense of the other.

Is it a bonus to be in this position?
I sort of alluded to it's a good opportunity. It doesn't happen often. I think we did it in 2013. There was a bit of a risk attached. I think everyone was hoping someone kicked that goal, but it wasn't to be was it. It's an important opportunity.

Is there any data from a couple of years ago that showed  it was a good call?
Probably the only data was that win at Geelong. We ran it out. We were fresh. Although we started slowly. They're all the risks. I've got no idea what number. It might be one. It might be two. It might be 10, I've got no idea.

It is also Peel Thunder’s first final this weekend
We're aware of that. That would clearly impact them as well. They're an important stakeholder of ours. It's been a really productive alignment. It's been beneficial for both parties. We see ourselves as one. But clearly the AFL would over-ride at this stage the impact. But we would certainly be respectful of that.

Was Michael Walters a late decision?
Yes, it was a very late decision. We'll see how the week unfolds, but clearly we'll take no risks for him for this week coming.

How is Cam Sutcliffe’s shoulder?
It went back in. So as long as the strength's come back, he should be fine. It's not ideal. We see it regularly enough to know that he should be ok. 

How did you see Garrick Ibbotson forward?
Yes, we liked it. He's very competent overhead. He's a lovely kick. I think he hit the scoreboard early, good flexibility. We put Johnson there for a little bit. Zac Clarke was unavailable through suspension and concussion and Matt Taberner was the emergency. We're working on that mix.

Hill forward as well?
Yes, we've done that. (David) Mundy and (Michael) Barlow went forward. Just trying to excite a few individuals really. Because we had a few of our front half out, and challenged. It's important to excite a few and try a different mix. Mick Barlow on ball today was very, very good. So some people stood up. I thought Ed Langdon on debut was fantastic. He's a running machine and at the end when a lot of people weren't running he was running and he gathered seven disposals and we really enjoyed what he did today.

Did he push his case to keep his spot?
He didn't do it any harm.

Was it pleasing to get to 100 points?
It certainly doesn't hurt. But I think in two or three of those other games it's probably beyond belief that we didn't kick 100. Some of the things we slaughtered and the opportunities we had or the misses we had. There's been times where we've had 60 entries. Yes, it's nice but we're going to have to do it against better calibre than that.

What were your thoughts on Pavlich’s return?
I thought he was okay. I thought he was solid.

What did you think of his movement?
He had his swerve back, I thought he was swerving around, you know how he moves. I thought he was okay.

Can you expand on the significance of the first minor premiership?
I'm very pragmatic. I'm not sure what it means. You get a double chance and one plays four, whoever four is. But it's a fledgling club isn't it, that wants to build itself and I think we'll create history. The Eagles should finish second I'd imagine. So it's great for WA footy and clearly if you're in the top four history tells you it gives you a really good chance. Although the competition is so even this year with the teams out of it. It's not insignificant. But it's just a nice box to tick as a club I'd imagine. It'd be nice to create some more history from there. That's the aim.