'Too slow to call time-on': Were Port gifted 19 extra seconds in crucial final-term moment?
Midway through the last quarter, the umpire called time-on as Darcy Byrne-Jones was lining up for goal, inadvertently ensuring 19 extra seconds remained on…
The Richmond Tigers have taken their first scalp of the season, being the Port Adelaide Power by 20 points at Etihad Stadium.
Port Adelaide have now dropped out of the top four after winning just one game from their past five.
FINAL SCORE:
Richmond 19.12 (126)
Port Adelaide 16.10 (106)
The Port Adelaide Power have lost three of their past four matches and need a win today against the Richmond Tigers to keep their hopes of a top two finish well and truly alive. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:10pm AEST.
Recent defeats to the Swans, Crows and Bombers have seen Port drop down to third on the ladder with Fremantle now nipping at their heels.
It was just a month ago that Port were all on their own on top of the AFL ladder seemingly destined to secure a vital home final.
Now, that dream is on the ropes somewhat given to the fact they now face a Richmond team building confidence following two wins on the trot.
Athough those victories have come against minnows St Kilda and Brisbane, the Tigers will fancy their chances of causing the upset at home.
The Tigers gave premiership favourites Sydney a good run for their money when they hosted them a few rounds back and will draw confidence that they can match it with the best in the competition, despite being unable to finish those matches off so far this season.
If the Power hope to seal a much needed win, Chad Wingard is going to have to improve on his recent performances against Adelaide and Essendon. Wingard hasn’t scored a goal in his last three matches and has only managed a combined total of 37 possessions against the Crows and Bombers.
In short, Wingard needs to see a lot more of the footy if the Power are a chance of getting back into the winner’s circle this afternoon.
The Tigers meanwhile are still in the race (albeit barely) for a finals spot. Richmond fans will use today’s clash as a true indicator of whether or not their team can make the finals.
If Richmond do emerge victorious today, the Tigers may end up building enough momentum to sneak into the top eight.
With Port desperate to stay inside the top four, expect the away side to snatch victory in a tight contest.
Port to win by 20.
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