Well, well, well Port Adelaide – it’s best not to believe the hype, they have been thrashed by 70 points at Etihad Stadium by Essendon on Saturday night.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Essendon Bombers 19.17.131
Port Adelaide Power 8.13.61
Are the Port Adelaide Power actually as good as they look? That’s been the question on everyone’s lips. They’ll be looking to prove that they are as they take on the Essendon Bombers. Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game at Eithad Stadium starting from 7:25pm AEST.
After a great win against Hawthorn last week everyone is wondering whether Port Adelaide are Top four material.
In 2017 they’ve certainly been a lot better than most experts we’re expecting, but have failed to beat any genuine Top four contenders so far.
An absolute thrashing of Essendon this weekend will further affirm their place in the competition.
There’s also some question marks over exactly how good Essendon are this season.
With the doping saga behind them and a legitimate AFL side back on the park, they’ve shown mixed form.
An excellent performance against the West Coast a few weeks ago still means they could be contenders for the finals.
A victory against Port Adelaide tonight would go along way for a fairytale finals finish.
There’s only one change for both sides this week. Essendon have dropped Brent Stanton to bring back former Cats veteran James Kelly, while Port Adelaide will be boosted by the return of star forward Chad Wingard from injury, with Aaron Young left out of the side to make room.
Player to watch
Paddy Ryder who finally plays against his old club Essendon. He’s looking like All-Australian Ruckman material at the moment and a strong performance here will help that.
I want to tip Essendon for the win here, but my gut tells me it’ll be Port by a goal or two.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game at Eithad Stadium starting from 7:25pm AEST.
Joe
Guest
Found the constant booing of Ryder interesting as I went to the ess v Melbourne game and didn't hear much booing of melksham or hibberd.why the difference bomber supporters?
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report FINAL SCORE ESSENDON 19.17.131 PORT ADELAIDE 8.13.61
Sammy
Guest
You were on the money Rick. Even close wins will drop the % of a team. It showed a real blueprint on how to beat the power and that is very fast handball in close to get the ball away from the big power mids and then move it fast in the open space and quickly inro attack where ports defenders, which is their weakest area, get exposed
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Should have read that first. 14 per cent. Nasty drop indeed.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Well that's going to hurt their 148%... Pretty sure I had a conversation 2 weeks ago about this dropping with some PA cl0wn.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
BEHIND Sam Gray kicks an absolute shocker, it's Port's night in a nutshell. They've dropped 14 percentage points tonight.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
BEHIND Westoff hits the post. Sums up the evening nicely for them, sadly.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL Tipungwuti kicks his 4th. It's all Essendon tonight. Essendon 19.17.131 Port Adelaide 8.9.57
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL Merrett collects another disposal and gives it to his captain who makes absolutely no mistake.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
If they're anything like my brother, drunk and pretending football isn't a sport.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
BEHIND McKenna sprays one for Essendon. 7 minutes remaining and it's just about percentage from the perspective of both clubs.
Cat
Roar Guru
Where are all the power supporters tonight?
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
36 disposals for Zach Merrett this evening with 10 minutes to go. He's been absolutely spectacular.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Less than 12 minutes to go and Essendon are 60 points up going into the bye. Big questions for Port tonight. They've been nothing short of absolutely terrible.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL Joe Daniher has been absolutely everywhere tonight and continues his amazing performance for the evening. 4 goals to him for this evening. Essendon 17.14.116 Port Adelaide 8.7.55
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL Justin Westoff kicks his first goal of the evening. Essendon 16.14.110 Port Adelaide 8.7.55
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL Tipungwuti is all class and skill! He runs, he duck, weaves and kicks a goal for Essendon. His third goal for the evening, definitely one for the highlights reel.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Essendon have gotten some great early run in the last term. It's great that they're showing that they have some depth and the ability to play 4 quarters of football.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL Watson joins in on the party for Essendon as he kicks his first goal of the season. The margin is back out to 54 points. Essendon 15.13.103 Port Adelaide 7.7.49
Rissole
Guest
Good work from the Bombers. They should try go all out in the last quarter searching for some much needed percentage, especially since they have the bye next week. Robbie Gray needs to focus more on footy and less on sooking.