The Port Adelaide Power defeated the Gold Coast Suns in wet conditions at Metricon Stadium.
It was a tight, low-scoring contest throughout with the rainy conditions reducing the skill level and forcing congestion around the ball.
Gold Coast adapted to the conditions earlier, kicking long into their forward line and jumping to a 14-point lead before the Power could hit the scoreboard.
From there on the Power dominated play, holding the ball in their forward half for much of the day and maintaining possession. Port won the inside 50 count 72 to 39 and possessions count 336 to 265.
Despite their dominance around the ground the Power struggled to score. They only hit the lead for the first time in the third quarter but held it for the remainder of the match.
With their season slipping away the Suns made a late final push, bringing the game within three points through two wonderful goals to Harley Bennell and Daniel Gorringe.
Port rallied, with Ollie Wines hitting Chad Wingard in front of goal. Wingard kicked the winner for his captain Travis Boak, who was playing in game number 150.
Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray continued his impressive season by tallying 26 disposals (20 contested), a mammoth 11 inside 50s and a goal in a best-on-ground performance.
Matthew Lobbe completely dominated the ruck, collecting 56 hit outs for the match.
Gold Coast were led manfully by Harley Bennell’s 27 disposals and 2 goals, while Trent McKenzie was dominant early using his raking kick to repel the constant Power attacks.
The loss all but ends the Suns’ hopes of making the finals, while the Power could find themselves in the top four if Hawthorn defeats Fremantle and the percentage is favourable.
Heading into next week both teams will have injury concerns. The Suns lost Greg Broughton before the match and Charlie Dixon early on. Jack Martin played the game with a leg injury which limited him, and Danny Stanley copped a shoulder injury which sent him to the rooms.
The Power lost Jackson Trengove and Angus Monfries to injury before the match started.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Apart from one five-goal game, GWS forward Toby Greene has only kicked six goals from the other eight games. He's traditionally had success against the Western Bulldogs.
Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
Gold Coast defender Wil Powell has been banned for five matches after using a homophobic slur during the Suns' loss to Brisbane. Powell was…
Tom Hawkins returns to familiar surroundings of Geelong - but is it the tonic he needs to regain some of his confidence back after a goalless four games.
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
