Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus has warned his midfielders that they face following David Rodan out of the side if they don’t perform against their AFL bogey club, Sydney.

The Power are seeking to break a seven-game losing streak against the Swans on Saturday in their AAMI Stadium encounter.

Primus surprisingly axed Rodan, who was a game-changing substitute in Port’s round-one win against St Kilda and collected 19 disposals in their loss to Essendon last week.

“There were a couple of other midfielders who were close to it (the axe) with David,” Primus told reporters on Friday.

But Primus said he kept the faith in the other onballers – for the time being.

“We had a few players who weren’t up to standard against Essendon so the pressure is on to perform,” he said.

“They have been very good in the NAB Cup and they were good against St Kilda and they probably had one poor first half.

“So to make wholesale changes over a poor whole first half out of the last five weeks, I don’t think is the way to go.

“Their form had been pretty good so we’re rewarding that – but we’re also understanding that if we have another half like that, it’s not acceptable for us.”

Port summoned creative onballer Robbie Gray, who has overcome a hamstring strain and will play his first match of the season.

Primus said his outfit’s improvement at winning contested possession faced its biggest test against the hard-edged Swans.

“It’s about time we beat Sydney, no doubt,” he said.

“We just haven’t been able to sustain it long enough against them.

“Even though they (Sydney) are good inside, the guys they have included over the last couple of years for their run and spread and carry certainly have made them a pretty dangerous team now.

“It will be a great test for us … and with Sydney, you know you’re going to have to do it from start to finish. Three and a half quarters won’t get the job done for us.”

While much pre-game planning centred on quelling Sydney star Adam Goodes, Primus said clearance expert Josh Kennedy was just as important to the Swans.

“We’ll pay him close attention at stoppages. We don’t want him getting all the first possessions and surging the ball forward for them,” Primus said of Kennedy.

“He has been in terrific form and, along with Goodes, is nearly as important as anyone in their team.”