Tim O’Keeffe (ankle) and Damien McCorkell (hip) were both injured in the clash, restricting the Blues’ midfield rotations from quarter-time in the eventual 15.8 (98) to 8.8 (56) win.

Cook said it was not yet clear if O’Keeffe’s injury was ligament damage or a broken bone.

The Blues appeared to deliver on their aim of better use of the ball going forward early, opening up a four-goal-to-one lead by the first break.

But a determined Portland lifted in the second quarter to slash the margin to five points by half-time, before the Blues hit back with nine goals to three in the second half.

“Portland threw a lot at us during the second quarter and decided they wanted the ball more than us,” Cook said.

“We just asked the question at half-time whether our team was committed to winning the game and whether we wanted to go in first to the ball.”

Jackson Bell (two goals) earned his second best-on-ground accolade for the Blues this season, showcasing his strength over the ball and executing his skills well, bringing his teammates into the game, while Jordan Foott, in just his second senior game for the Blues, was impressive off half-back.

Cook said the club was pleased to get the win for Jed Turland (five goals) in his 100th game.

“His grandparents Jean and Don are remarkable supporters of the footy club,” he said. “They were inspirational through out the late 80s and early 90s of the Warrnambool Football Club. They would be very, very happy with what happened today.”

Portland coach Luke Crane said the shorter four-day turnaround after their Anzac Day clash showed in the second half as his side struggled to bounce back after their big exertion in the second quarter.