Emerging St Kilda midfielder Luke Dunstan says it’s important for the Saints to make a strong impression against Port Adelaide on Sunday in order to set the tone for their season from the opening round.

The Saints travelled to South Australia on Saturday looking to end a four-game losing streak against the Power, which stretches back to 2011 and includes two losses at Adelaide Oval.

“It’s obviously very important (to set the right tone from Round 1). We’ve done a lot of work over the pre-season, we’re just looking forward to getting out there now,” Dunstan told reporters at a press conference at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.

“All the boys have been ready to go for a while now. We’re finally getting back into so we’re looking forward to the challenge tomorrow.”

Despite Port Adelaide being heavily favoured by bookmakers to win the Easter Sunday encounter, Dunstan indicated that the Saints take no notice of external noise and are confident of knocking off Ken Hinkley’s side.

“We don’t buy into what people say on the outside it’s more about what’s said inside our four walls. We’re confident with our game plan and how we want to approach things,” Dunstan said.

With a litany of All Australians and bona fide stars in Port Adelaide’s midfield, St Kilda face an imposing battle first up in the form of Robbie Gray, Travis Boak, Ollie Wines, Hamish Hartlett, Chad Wingard and Jared Polec.

Dunstan said St Kilda’s onball department will set their sights on harassing the opposition when they have the ball and try and force the Power to turn the ball over, limiting their ability to give their forwards quality service.

“We want to focus on midfield turnover and really pressure their use. That’s our main goal going into the game and then hurt them on turnover,” he said.

 “I think over the last two years we’ve developed a bit more depth in the midfield which is good.”