With a host of sides breathing down their necks, Port Adelaide must rebound quickly against the Western Bulldogs, says skipper Travis Boak.
The Power suffered their first loss since early April when edged out by four points by in-form Sydney at the SCG last Saturday.
Although Port still sits one game clear atop the AFL ladder with 10 victories, just two wins separate them from Collingwood down in sixth while four points are all that splits the leaders from the rest of the top four.
"We went to Sydney expecting to win and wanting to win, and were pretty disappointed we didn't come away with the four points," Boak said on Wednesday.
"We want to make sure we keep continue winning because it's getting pretty tight at the top and we need to make sure we finish off the season strong.
"You can't drop games - we need to make sure we're up and about every week because each week is very important for our season.
"This week is now going to be huge for us and we're looking forward to a huge challenge."
Port Adelaide will look to rebound against the Western Bulldogs, who travel to Adelaide Oval for Saturday's contest on the back of a shock eight-point upset of the Magpies last week.
Boak said the Power must be wary of the Bulldogs' midfield group, who won a staggering 51 clearances to 34 in the win over Collingwood.
"They are a fantastic clearance side - they have been for the last few years," he said.
"(Ryan) Griffen was up and about, (Tom) Liberatore has been great along with (Jack) Macrae, so they are a quality side and we are going to have some challenges."
Hamish Hartlett, who injured his ankle against the Swans, is "touch and go" this week and will be closely monitored along with Jared Polec, who missed last week's loss with an ankle issue as well.
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