Port Adelaide dynamo Robbie Gray orchestrated a 103-point belting of Carlton on Friday night to keep the Power’s top-four ambitions alive.
Gray was a standout in Port’s thumping 20.20 (140) to 5.7 (37) win before 52,505 spectators – a record crowd for an AFL game at Adelaide Oval.
Port’s victory was their largest against Carlton, eclipsing the 89-point margin of 1998.
And the Blues were restricted to their lowest score against the Power, who rose to fourth on the ladder on percentage from Fremantle.
The Dockers can take that spot back by beating Brisbane on Sunday before a showdown against Port in Perth in the last round for the pivotal position, which gifts a double-chance in the finals.
Gray amassed 31 disposals and kicked four goals, leading the rampage against a lacklustre Carlton, who lost their captain Marc Murphy to concussion.
Murphy was knocked out when his head thumped into the turf in a low marking contest with Port’s Cam O’Shea midway through the second term.
But the result was entrenched by the time Murphy was taken off on a stretcher – Port already led by 43 points after an early assault triggered by Gray.
The nippy utility was instrumental as the Power kicked 5.6 to 1.2 in the opening term – he booted two goals, set up another and collected 10 disposals for the quarter.
Gray remained influential while teammates Chad Wingard, Jake Neade and Justin Westhoff each slotted three goals.
Port half-back Jasper Pittard (24 possessions) and winger Jared Polec (24 disposals) were prominent, captain Travis Boak (27 touches) and Hamish Hartlett (27 disposals) formed a commanding midfield and Matthew Lobbe ruled the ruck.
In stark contrast, the Blues barely had a winner: fullback Sam Rowe battled gamely against the tide and Bryce Gibbs gathered 29 disposals.
Carlton, who could lose their 13th spot by the end of the weekend, were powerless to halt Port, who piled on 10 unanswered goals in the second and third quarters.
The Power’s sole concern was key forward Jay Schulz, who was dazed late in the last quarter when his head hit the ground after a marking attempt.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Well, looks like the dockers must win against Port then to be top 4. That percentage has helped out Port a lot.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Wow. That's good news Anthony.
Senator RY
Guest
To be honest, i was excited by Robbie Gray in his debut match and the lad has only improved since. Players with his ability are a breath of fresh air not only for their club but the AFL aswell.
Gecko
Guest
Axle I reckon the way they pushed Sydney a couple of weeks ago was telling. They'd have to be a chance to knock off one of the favourites in the finals, whether they do it from 4th or 5th. Their slick ball movement is well suited to finals. With Hawks, Cats and Dockers still not totally convincing, I reckon Port are an outside chance for the GF.
Radelaide
Guest
He came 3rd in Port's B&F in 2011, beginning of 2012 he did his knee so spent 2013 coming back from that and now is the player he promised at 26 years, I think you're being a bit harsh on him.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Has there best form arrived back in time for the playoffs???
Gecko
Guest
Gray's speed of decision-making is as good as anyone's in the AFL. Those would be 31 creative, damaging disposals. Amazing that Gray took so many years to emerge as an elite midfielder.
Anthony
Guest
Expect to see Port paying more Friday night games in future. What a delight they were to watch - they play an exciting brand of football. The atmosphere at the ground was fantastic - leaves some of the Melbourne games behind. No coincidence that Port Adel has had the highest increase in AFL membership this year (over 8,000) to 55,000 - as well as increasing their average attendance to over 44,000. Someone from AFL is reported this morning as saying that total AFL attendances have increased this year - despite decrease in Melbourne - because of Port Adel.