Port Adelaide maestro Robbie Gray has kicked six goals to inspire his AFL club to a comeback five-point win against arch rivals Adelaide.
Gray kicked five goals in a 25-minute burst to propel the Power to a 14.11 (95) to 14.6 (90) triumph on Saturday evening at Adelaide Oval.
His new teammate, ex-Cat Steven Motlop, kicked the match-winning goal with just 28 seconds remaining.
The Power were on the ropes at halftime, trailing by 21 points after an error-riddled opening half before 50,967 spectators.
But Gray took control, kicking five goals in the third term as Port turned their deficit into a 12-point lead at the last change.
Port stretched out to an 18-point buffer before Adelaide kicked three goals in a late flurry to steal a one-point lead with one minute remaining.
Motlop pounced on a loose ball and goaled on the run from 40 metres to deliver the Power a famous victory.
The brilliant Gray, a triple club champion, was sensational as Port snapped a five-game losing streak to Adelaide.
The Crows enjoyed early superiority – after Port’s Paddy Ryder kicked the opening goal, the Crows booted the next four to take a 4.2 to 1.3 quarter-time lead.
Adelaide grew their advantage to 21 points at the long break before Gray lit the fuse for the Power comeback.
Gray’s attacking colleague Chad Wingard and ruckman Ryder both kicked two goals, while former Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff (31 disposals) and Jared Poled (23 possessions) were influential.
Port skipper Travis Boak (24 touches), Ollie Wines (26 disposals) and Brad Ebert (24 possessions) provided the midfield grunt.
Adelaide’s Rory Atkins was a standout for his side with 29 disposals, Eddie Betts kicked three goals, while Cam Ellis-Yolmen booted two among his 20 touches.
The Crows host the Western Bulldogs on Friday night and Port travel to China to play Gold Coast next Saturday in Shanghai.
May 12th 2018 @ 9:39pm
Pelican said | May 12th 2018 @ 9:39pm | ! Report
Rocky in the midfield. It makes a big difference when hes in the right position. Who would have thought?
May 13th 2018 @ 8:43am
Sammy said | May 13th 2018 @ 8:43am | ! Report
Rockliff was very good last night and makes a big difference when fit. Forget watts and motlop as it is rockliff who was the big get for you guys and he is a top player. I rue that we were missing half our a grade midfield as it would have made a massive difference in a game lost in the last 20 seconds and hartigan out was bad also as he has shut down robbie gray before and was our best option for him.
May 13th 2018 @ 12:42pm
Pelican said | May 13th 2018 @ 12:42pm | ! Report
From what I have seen of Watts and Motlop so far, they use the ball with accuracy into the forwards or goal. They are two areas we needed to improve so although I agree Rockliff is the catch I like the other two as well.
May 13th 2018 @ 8:17am
Kangajets said | May 13th 2018 @ 8:17am | ! Report
Best game of footy in a long time , excellent from start to finish
May 13th 2018 @ 10:36am
Tim said | May 13th 2018 @ 10:36am | ! Report
Port’s win loss is 5-3 not 4-4
They are equal third with about 70 other teams.
May 13th 2018 @ 3:03pm
KenoathCarnt said | May 13th 2018 @ 3:03pm | ! Report
Why did Port have to take Rockliff as if Lions dont have it hard enough they then lose their best man shame on Port.
May 14th 2018 @ 5:33am
Roger of Sydney said | May 14th 2018 @ 5:33am | ! Report
Hinkley’s reaction post game showed how far port adelaide have come from the 70’s when they were a bunch of classless thugs, yep still the same Port.
May 14th 2018 @ 9:28am
Pedro The Fisherman said | May 14th 2018 @ 9:28am | ! Report
Hinkley’s reaction is because the Showdowns are akin to Port’s Grand Final. Small team syndrome is a key weakness for them, with any positive for Adelaide biting at them incessantly. The win has likely taken the heat off Hinkley and his under-performing recruits for a while (but the pressure will return).
One swallow does make Port’s winter!