Jarrad Waite says he’s looking to bring the pressure in his return to competitive action this weekend.
The key-forward makes his return to the North lineup, after a hip injury saw him sidelined in recent weeks.
And despite sitting equal top in the club’s goal-kicking tally, Waite told NMFC.com.au his focus wasn’t on booting a bag against Port this Saturday.
“The goals will come, but I’m going to be more focused on the pressure and my movement,” Waite said.
“(Saturday is) a really good opportunity against a good team, obviously a little bit undermanned in some areas, but we know that if we don’t bring our A-grade pressure and our performance we’ll be in a fair bit of strife.”
The 33-year-old said he was now feeling “100 per cent” and ready to tackle the Power.
“(The injury is) fully recovered now, I was very close to getting up last week,” he said.
“It had been pretty sore, but I knew when I came back I wanted to be 100 per cent fit.
The number 30 knows Port will bring its best to Etihad Stadium.
“They’ve still got a chance to make finals, they’ll come out raring (to go) and we’ve got to match that.”
Waite also heaped praise on injured teammate Mason Wood, who will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after knee surgery.
“He’s such a good up-and-coming player. It’s disappointing for us, he really fits in the mould for us, he can play in that small half-forward and he can also play key position,” Waite added.
“We’ll get him back hopefully for finals, but as we know he will be really good for us for the next few years.”