Port Adelaide’s NAB Cup began yesterday at AAMI Stadium against Carlton. The Power showed the rest of the competition that they are out to redeem themselves for what was a dismal 2011.
The cellar-dwellers of last season started well against a relatively strong Carlton outfit, who missed captain Chris Judd and star midfielder Bryce Gibbs for the first half.
Kane Cornes got the hosts off to the perfect start in what seemed to be a statement to coach Matthew Primus that his spot in the side is warranted, while young gun, John “The Future” Butcher provided plenty of options up forward, easily accounting for Blues defender Matthew Watson.
However, the Power were wasteful in front of goal in the first half, kicking 2.7 in response to Carlton’s one goal straight.
A bizarre goal awarded to Matthew Kruezer after the siren, with the assistance of a 50 metre penalty, was kicked truly for a 9-pointer to bring the margin to just two points at half-time.
Carlton came out stronger in the second half, aided by the inclusion of Gibbs from the bench, and got out to a seven point lead late in the half. The game then took another turn when an interchange infringement lead to a ball travelling deep into Port’s forward 50, eventuating in a spectacular goal from the boundary from Cornes.
Port Adelaide triumphing 46 to 40 on a hot day in Adelaide might not be a great indicator for the rest of the season. But at least the match gave supporters some promising signs to begin with, something to keep in mind for when the season proper begins.
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