Port Adelaide have beaten North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium to regain their momentum in season 2018.
This was a game devoid of twists and turns with the Power dominating in the first term and having the measure of the home team for much of the day.
North tried hard and their pressure in the attacking area was impressive yet the Power were able to repel the Kangaroos’ forays into the forward fifty easier than the home side would have liked.
Sam Gray who kicked four goals and Chad Wingard were influential up front and North didn’t have players doing something similar in their attacking zone.
The Kangaroos are Ben Brown focused, for good reason, yet the Power defence held him very well with the majority of his goals coming in the final term.
North were not embarrassed and will take a lot from the contest with Port restating their claims on a top four spot with an excellent performance.
Final score
North Melbourne 10.9.69
Port Adelaide 15.12.102
Perry Bridge
Guest
It did look a bit 'line in the sand' for Port. North tried to pressure Port and it kind of worked early - the Power somewhat wasteful. However the Port ball use was cleaner and North seemed to lack the courage to switch - that perhaps the most frustrating thing for supporters - a lot of down the line play. Port had the initiative most of the day. There were moments of fight from North - after kicking their 4th goal in the 2nd term - it was back to 4 goals to 7. And North desperate for consecutive goals - created the chances but couldn't convert and the Power were able to finish out the half by stretching the lead. Same in the third - North were unable to capitalise when gaining some level of ascendancy around the field. The Fwd entries were 1 dimensional - the Roos tended to bomb the ball towards Ben Brown - the assumption to exploit the height advantage over Jonas. And Brown drew a free kick early for the first goal. What was bemusing was that was about it - Jonas was able to scrag, hold and take the arms of Brown for pretty much the rest of the day (while the game was in the balance) - until about 10 mins to go in the 3rd term when for some reason the umpires paid another one. The lack of consistency is befuddling - it's either a free or it's not - - it isn't a case of an umpire paying one now and then when he feels like it. There were clear holds (arm/s around the waist that umpires pay - so, with 3 umpies it's always confusing when they can't pick up on them. It reminded me of how Archer used to beat Richardson - chopping the arms was 'ok' back then). That said - North had to adapt and hit other targets - and for the most part they were delivering too high - to Waite as well. However - at least with Wood (6) and Garner (4) returning through the VFL side - there's variety to bring in to that forward line. UDL kicked his first goal - a bit of a high light - however a little later was shown that he had to steady much quicker when tackled as he might have anticipated snagging his second.
Norm
Guest
Fantastic effort by Port after their "week from hell". Lots of Port supporters there & their cheer squad were very loud & animated!
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Be interesting. I don't think Sydney will bother double teaming Brownie unless North get a quick start. It's been a topsy turvey season so far and North will give it a good old crack.
Swannies
Guest
A great comeback Pope. Could get ugly for your mob next week. Sorry but can't see North winning anything in May.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
North probs a bit knackered from holding out against the Hawks in the second 1/2 last week but Port played pretty well all day. Hey Swannies, how 'bout the Swannies? A great comeback.
Swannies
Guest
North have been brought back to reality...they are one-dimensional, rely heavily on Brown for their goals and cannot cover injuries to their key players..ie Higgins. Once Waite gets injured that will derail their season. They will finish in the bottom 4 with 5-6 wins.