Robbie Gray has kicked four goals as a fast-finishing Port Adelaide overcame a spirited St Kilda for a 33-point AFL victory.
Port trailed by 21 points deep into the third quarter but stormed home for a 20.13 (133) to 15.10 (100) win on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
The Power booted nine of the last 10 goals to survive a scare from the Saints before a crowd of 43,807.
Gray was superb, midfielder Brad Ebert (three goals, 25 disposals) and Sam Gray (37 possessions) were prominent, and the brilliant Chad Wingard and trump recruit Charlie Dixon each kicked three goals.
Their feats helped Port overwhelm a Saints side inspired by Tom Hickey, who ruled the rucks with 56 hitouts and 20 disposals in an eye-catching performance.
Hickey fed a hungry St Kilda midfield led by Jack Steven (36 possessions), David Armitage (28 touches) and 250-gamer Leigh Montagna (29 disposals).
With lively goalsneak Jack Lonie scoring three goals, the Saints stretched out to a 21-point lead some 21 minutes into the third term.
But Port, who lost fleet-footed Matt White to a suspected pectoral muscle tear in the first term, stormed home.
Robbie and Sam Gray, Wingard and Ebert lifted the home side, while former Gold Coast forward Dixon added menace.
Dixon provided a solid target but was wayward in front of goal before icing the result with Port’s two last goals of the match.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Port gave up easy goals, three direct goals in the first quarter that would have put St Kilda down had they not have given them up, but that's footy and it happens. Getting the ball over the back and stopping the opposition press is a definite tactic by St Kilda, they almost went back to the olden days by leaving a bloke in the goal square, it worked until Port put the sweeper back as well. I doubt this tactic will work next week when the oppo coaches get a chance to look at it. Sam Gray is an absolute little gun, teams will have to put some time into him from here on. Port looked good, too many stars and will be much better for the run next week.
me too
Guest
Great game. Saints hurt by this being just their second game in five weeks - really lacked match fitness. Will be very competitive through the season.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Totally agree Tim. Great game. Gray is a weapon, a rarity in the forward line and in many ways he's superior to Fyfe and a poor-mans Ablett. Not a bad player to be a poor-mans version of though. :)
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Great game with the Saints gaining much respect from their show. By the same token, port deserves real plaudits for giving a decent lead late in the third and fighting back to win in an impressive late rally. How good is Gray, if not for his tragic knee he would be ranked with Fyfe/Ablett