JACK Hombsch says the “burn in the gut’’ of losing last season’s preliminary final to Hawthorn will drive Port Adelaide through the pre-season.

The Power lost by three points to the eventual premier and defender Hombsch said the heartbreaking defeat would ensure “that you push yourself a little bit harder when you are training’’.

“We realise we were basically a game away from a grand final,’’ Hombsch said as Port resumed training yesterday, 58 days after its loss to the Hawks.

“Not many guys get that opportunity so it is something you think about for a while.

“It makes you not take anything for granted and understand that you’ve got to train your butt off to get back there.’’

Port’s first-to-fourth year players were the first ones back on the track yesterday and Hombsch said the team’s veterans had stressed to them the need to not rest on their laurels and make sure they appreciate the chance they have of being a premiership contender in the next few years.

“I’s something you don’t always respect when you’re young but a lot of the senior players say not to take playing finals for granted,’’ he said.

“We have to realise that not everyone gets to play them, that it’s a great opportunity and not to waste it when you get there.’’

Hombsch believes the key addition of former Essendon ruckman/forward Paddy Ryder, who he described as a “super player’’, can help the Power win next year’s premiership, along with a third pre-season under coach Ken Hinkley and ace fitness man Darren Burgess.

“We were close last year but we still lost the preliminary final so we’ve got to improve,’’ he said.

Port’s young players returned in good nick yesterday, with key defender Tom Clurey stealing the show in the 3km time trial.

He edged out young defender Sam Colquhoun, who ran impressively after missing the 2014 season following reconstructive knee surgery, and second-year utility Karl Amon.

Darcy Byrnes-Jones, midfield star Ollie Wines and Hombsch rounded out the top six.

Wingman Jared Polec, strongly criticised for his poor time trial showing at the start of pre-season training last year, appeared in good physical condition yesterday, finishing in the middle of the pack.

“Polly was a bit sick (at training) last year but he’s a really hard worker, he didn’t go away in the off-season, he’s really looked after himself and he’s running good times,’’ Hombsch said.