Port Adelaide recruit Jack Watts has kicked six goals in a 26-point win against Adelaide in their AFL practice derby.
But the Power lost experienced backman Jasper Pittard to a hamstring injury in their 16.2 (98) to 11.6 (72) victory on Saturday at Alberton Oval.
Pittard was hurt as Port went on a third-term scoring spree to overrun the Crows, who led by 26 points at halftime.
Ex-Demon Watts was a standout while another of Port’s fresh signings, ex-Geelong utility Steven Motlop, collected 20 disposals.
Port’s Darcy Byrne-Jones (31 disposals), Justin Westhoff (27 touches, one goal) and Robbie Gray (26 possessions, two goals) were busy.
And teammates Jared Polec (16 disposals) and Chad Wingard (15 touches, one goal) were unscathed in their first competitive outing of the pre-season after recovering from hamstring strains.
Adelaide’s top pick from last year’s draft, Darcy Fogarty, pressed his claims for a round-one debut by booting three first-half goals.
The Crows were also well served by ball magnet Matt Crouch (26 touches), former Kangaroo Sam Gibson (27 possessions, one goal) and Rory Atkins (21 disposals, two goals).
Their prized recruit Bryce Gibbs kicked two goals and collected 20 disposals from 65 per cent game time.
Fogarty’s early influence helped Adelaide to control the opening half in 35-degree temperatures before 6157 spectators at Port’s Alberton headquarters.
The 18-year-old was a focal point of Adelaide’s attacks as the Crows kicked 8.4 to 4.2 in the first half.
But Port turned the tide with a superb third term, booting six goals to one.
Watts and Sam Gray (two goals) were dangerous as Port’s midfield seized momentum – when spearhead Charlie Dixon goaled late in the quarter, Port took the lead for the first time.
The Power led by three points at the last change and Watts capped his best-afield display with the opening two goals of the final quarter. He then set up two more for teammates to seal Port’s triumph.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Well it is March!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Ah Port. They love winning preseason matches!
Rex
Guest
Port are up and about - they will be very tough to beat this year - flag favourites!
Pelican
Roar Rookie
The two practice games have been excellent. Just what you would want as build up to be ready round one. Good to see the Hoff up and about. DBJ with 31 disposals, that kid is my favorite. I cant remember him missing a game since he was drafted. With all the negativity directed at Jack Watts I havent known what to expect but after that effort im a little bit interested. Dom Barry looks like a find so far and Steven Motlop looked more settled this time out. I just want the season to start its taking forever.
Bearfly
Roar Rookie
Honestly not sure about Polec, I think he might be struggling to be best 22 this season with the new recruits coming in and development of fringe players. Think Pittard injury paves the way for Bonner to get the nod round 1 - appeared to be very cool under pressure and is a damn good kick out of defence.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Cheer up - if Gray does it in a prelim final he'd have gotten off, Cotchin did much worse and was still available to receive the silverware with Dimma the following week. Agreed though it was lame. Good luck with Rockliff, I wouldn't play him anywhere near goal, he's a rubbish kick. Maybe you could move one of Polec or Motlop further forward and bring Rockliff into the mid. They will play him as first choice if he's fit, can't see them not doing that.
Sammy
Guest
Mate..that was a once in a blue moon accuracy in front of goal..nothing silly about querying it
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Already posted but it hasn't come up, so I'll have another go. I thought the new look game plan looked better coming out of the back half, Port started off a bit scratchy with their skills but got better throughout the game, there's still 5 players that need to come out of that side to deal with a four man bench and Boak, SPP and Rockliff coming in. I'm a bit wary on Rockliff coming it when he's had 0 pre-season games but I'm pretty sure he will. It looks like Robbie Gray played on ball a bit more than he did last year, which is a good idea, id have him 70/30 mid/fwd and the opposite with Wingard. Pittard going down is a blessing, the back six is safer without him and whilst he has couple of cracking games a year I'd prefer Houston as a safer, albeit a less dynamic flanker, Ports back six looks really solid now with Dougal Howard slotting in at CHB, this guy is going to be an absolute star, 199cm, and very quick for a man of his size. My best 22 would be. B: Byrne-Jones, Clurey, Houston HB: Jonas, Howard, Hartlett C: Polec, Wines, Motlop CHF: Boak, Watts, S.Gray FF: Gray (Suspended), Dixon, Westhoff F: Ryder, Ebert, Wingard INT: Bonner, SPP, Barry, Rockliff EM: Joe Atley, Neade, Mckenzie, Marshall I just couldn't get Rockliff or SPP into the starting 22, unless you put Sam Gray to the bench but he's right up there as far as half forwards go in the AFL, he kicked 6.3 in round 23 last year, so how do you drop a guy with that form to the bench? I can't even get Hombsch in, who is a fantastic defender onto the emergency list such is Ports depth. I'd bring Jake Neade in for round 1 to replace Robbie Gray while he serves that ridiculous suspension, I'd actually like to see Jake played higher this year and start on the wing from time to time, he's almost the best kick inside 50 in the team and Port needs that, Motlop won't play every game so Neade or Barry are the perfect depth for the right wing position. That's a strong looking team, bring on round 1.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
That may be so, but kicking six against the enemy at Alberton? Doesn't matter if it's only preseason, he's already worth the draft pick we sent for him.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
That's the most ridiculous thing I've read on here on a long time.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Already making excuses Sammy? It's only the JLT mate.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
The new game plan looked better and the new recruits are starting to Gel. Thought Bonner was fantastic and might just squeeze into round 1, could say the same thing for Barry and Neale as well though, six players need to be dropped from that side to allow for reduced benches and Boak, Rockliff and SPP coming into the side, I'm a little worried about Rockliff coming in with no pre-season match practice, apparently he would have played had it been the season proper. I think Pittard going down is actually a blessing, he's a good player but makes too many mistakes, I'd much prefer to go with a back six of Howard, Jonas, Clurey, Hartlett, Byrne-Jones and Houston with McKenzie on the bench, that's a strong backing and how good can Douglas Howard become, he has the makings of a star.
Sammy
Guest
16-2...lets see if that luck in front of goal happens again when it matters..
Cat
Roar Guru
Bad luck for Port, that’s Watts one good game for the year out of the way early.