With their season on the line the Suns came out of the gates strongly kicking the first four scores of the game.
Port were able to wrestle back control of the match but despite their dominance around the ground they struggled to hit the scoreboard.
As the game progressed the Power slowly made their way to the front where they stayed, holding off the Suns last quarter push.
Today’s result all but end the Suns finals hopes for another year. They are improving but just are not there yet.
The Power will look to to the finals and win themselves a position in the top 4 as their mojo returns.
FINAL SCORE:
PORT ADELAIDE 7.14.56
SUNS 7.5.47
The Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power will attempt to rediscover their winning form when they meet at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:10pm (AEST).
Gold Coast’s disappointing loss to Carlton was the third loss in its last four games since Gary Ablett’s season-ending shoulder injury. They have fallen from the top eight and their maiden finals door is narrowing by the week.
Port Adelaide has dropped six of their last eight matches, falling from top spot down the fifth. However, there were positive signs in their loss to Sydney as their midfield group was fantastic with Robbie Gray, Travis Boak and Jared Polec all impressive against the Swans.
Scoring has become an issue for Port in recent times with their forward line misfiring. Jay Schultz went goalless last week for the first time this season and Chad Wingard, so often the barometer of the Port side, is continuing to struggle.
The solace for Gold Coast entering the match is their improved form when playing at home, with a 7-2 record in home games for the season.
Tom Lynch has quietly put together a fantastic season and is a future star in the making. Jaeger O’Meara is the only midfielder who has really maintained his output since Ablett went down. They need the likes of Dion Prestia and David Swallow to return to their scintillating early season form to match it with the Port midfield.
The match will mark game number 150 for Port captain Travis Boak who will be imploring his teammates to fight hard to regain a top four position. Matt White is set to return to the side from injury while Tom Logan has pressed for a recall after dominating in the SANFL.
Key defender Steven May will miss the match after straining his hamstring while Michael Rischittelli and Trent McKenzie are under injury clouds. Karmichael Hunt and Seb Tape played well in the NEAFL and should come under consideration for selection this week.
Prediction:
This should be an exciting contest with a lot of young talent on display from both sides. Port looked much improved last week while Gold Coast continued the struggle without the Little Master. I expect Gold Coast to come out strong but Port to ultimately be too strong.
Port Adelaide by 20 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:10pm (AEST).
Bosk
Roar Rookie
Ken Hinkley needs to take Port off the stove because I can't stand the smell of charred food.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
My Best Players were: 3 Votes - Robbie Gray = 26 disposals (20 contested), 9 clearances, 11 inside 50's, 1 goal 2 Votes - Matthew Lobbe = 16 disposals (11 contested), 56 hit outs, 12 tackles 1 Vote - Harley Bennell = 27 possessions (14 contested), 6 clearances, 7 tackles, 2 goals Apologies: Hartlett, The Hoff, McKenzie
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
SUNS 3.2, 4.3, 5.4, 7.5 (47) POWER 1.5, 2.8, 4.12, 7.14 (56) GOALS SUNS Bennell 2, Kolodjashnij, Matera, Lynch, Harbrow, Gorringe POWER Westhoff, R.Gray, White, Hartlett, Schulz, Moore, Wingard DISPOSALS SUNS Bennell 27, Prestia 25, McKenzie 22 POWER R.Gray 26, Hartlett 24, Westhoff 24
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
With their season on the line the Suns came out of the gates strongly kicking the first four scores of the game. Port were able to wrestle back control of the match but despite their dominance around the ground they struggled to hit the scoreboard. As the game progressed the Port slowly made their way to the front were they stayed holding off the Suns last quarter push. That all but end the Suns finals hopes for another year. They are improving but just are not there yet, I think their players will be better next season for Ablett's absence. The Port will look to to the finals and win themselves a position in the top 4 as their mojo returns. The Power dominated the inside 50's - 72 to 39 The Power won the disposals - 336 to 265
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
If you didn't see the Goal of the Year contender by The Hoff via Wines check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=westhoff+goal+v+suns
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Power win by 9 points.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
The Hoff takes a huge saving mark in defense with 30 seconds to go, game over methinks.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL POWER Wines steals the handball from Lynch and kicks the ball to the leading Wingard. Wingard with the huge kick from 35m out directly in front and he nails it!!! Is that the sealer? SUNS 7.5.47 POWER 7.14.56 Q4 2.45
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS WHAT A GOAL!!! Ball up in the Suns 50 is hit forward by the third man Swallow. Bennell runs on to the ball and tight in the pocket kicks a miraculous floater over the umpires head. Game On!!!! SUNS 7.5.47 POWER 6.14.50 Q4 4.17
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
The intensity has lifted now as the Suns look revived.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND POWER Ball is rushed through the sticks. SUNS 6.5.41 POWER 6.14.50 Q4 6.02
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Sexton marks on the 50m line, he takes a while to make a decision then kicks it at the feet of his ruckman. Gorringe picks it up off his toes the then bends the ball in for a great goal!!! SUNS 6.5.41 POWER 6.13.49 Q4 6.21
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
The Suns have the momentum over the last two minutes but the rain is making it impossible to score now.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Rain is getting heavier now.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL POWER Westhoff kick a low ball in and Andrew Moore leads out of the square and takes the mark. His shots from 35m directly in front splits the middle as he runs in to let McKenzie know all about it. SUNS 5.5.35 POWER 6.13.49 Q4 11.50
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Port are controlling play in this quarter. The Suns season is on the line and they need to lift now.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Matthew Lobbe is up to 41 hit outs for the day and 1 vomit.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND SUNS Turnover by Power on half-back is collected by Harbrow, his kick from 50 hits the post. SUNS 5.5.35 POWER 5.13.43 Q4 17.05
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND POWER Hartlett's running shot at goal is wide. Although he misses he has been great today. SUNS 5.4.34 POWER 5.13.43 Q4 18.04
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL POWER SCHULZ!!! Long ball into the Power 50, Schulz pushed Thompson away from the drop of the ball and takes the mark. His kick from from 35m out directly in front is good. SUNS 5.4.34 POWER 5.12.42 Q4 18.56