Port Adelaide Power have boosted their finals credentials with a 14-point win over the reigning premiers, Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
The Power came from behind in the second quarter to kick six unanswered goals to set up their win with a late flurry before the half-time siren.
The Tigers looked to make a chase in the last term but the Power held off by utilising an ultra-defensive tactic, which looked to be shaky at times, but enough to see out the game.
The power won the midfield-battle with 49-35 clearances, managed to pepper the inside 50s with 68-49, and 187-153 in contested possessions for the night.
A bake from coach Ken Hinkley seemed to do the trick for midfielder Jared Polec as he took the game on and proved to be damaging on the scoreboard and around the contest.
Ollie Wines, Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff and Darcy Byrne-Jones all played at their best, while Paddy Ryder battled manfully to win the ruck battle for the evening. Robbie and Sam Gray managed to get multiple goals each.
The Tigers were short of major contributors as they were missing star man Dustin Martin, and were short of form from captain Trent Cotchin. Jack Riewoldt managed to get on the end of three majors, while Jason Castagna returned to the side with two goals as well as Shane Edwards.
An ankle injury scare to key defender David Astbury will be reviewed for next week, though he managed to play out the game.
While they managed to win the Round 12 Port Adelaide will host the Western Bulldogs next Thursday before Melbourne the following Friday afterwards.
The Tigers will look to next Sunday against Geelong at the MCG in an away game, where they’ll need to make a solid effort to remain in the top-two before their bye.
Cat
Roar Guru
It’s not played in every state ... that’s usually one of the ‘truly national’ criteria I hear.
Mitcher
Guest
Yep, exactly as I was saying. Possibilities through the lense of perspectives. Bring it on.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
That aint true, Cat. RFC always said he'd play next week. Cool story tho' bro'.
Sammy
Guest
NBA?
Cat
Roar Guru
I like how before this game was played Dusty was going to be given the next two weeks off and not return until after the bye. Now that they lost to Port, the are going to play him this week. One man team much?
Cat
Roar Guru
Two questions for you: 1. What constitutes a 'truly national' league? 2. Name any other professional sporting league in the world that meets the criteria you set in part 1.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
A shame you lot don't take a leaf out of Wayne Bennett's book on this issue. Ya' gunna harp on and on for decades? Harden up.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Or possibly losing both,falling back to the pack and having Geelong or even North take their place. Geelong have Richmond then the bye then the Bulldogs. North have the bye then Bulldogs then the Bombers. Tantalising set of fixtures there. Eagles have the bye,then the Swans,then the Bombers
BigAl
Guest
. . . but the nervousness will be ratcheted up several notches... !
Sylvester
Roar Rookie
Last night told us a lot about Richmond and just highlighted what we already knew about Port Adelaide. Port are still inconsistent and Richmond are the new flat track bullies! Richmond are 0-3 from away games this year and they still heavily rely on Dusty. Yes they've got a few injuries, but who doesn't? However, none of it matters because all they need to do sadly is finish in the top 4 and hope they don't jag West Coast.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Probably because you don't recognize pressure, tackling and reading the play as legitimate skills.
Peter
Guest
Haha
Angela
Guest
Paul, glad you agree But 'separatist' surely refers to Victoria keeping themselves superiorly separate to the other states. All the rest of us want is a truly national AFL, that is a connected footie code across the country. Difficult Australia being the size it is however changing the venue for the GF would do a lot towards making it a national game as opposed to the Victorian-heavy affair it still is.
Ditto
Guest
If Port are to be considered premiership contenders they need to address some issues. 1. Defenders need to mark the ball when they have the opportunity rather than punching the ball away. Destroying the contest and showing intent never seems to be an issue at Adelaide Oval, but at the MCG Richmond will kill you for it. 2. Travis Boak is too far off AFL pace. 3. Jack Watts is a dud. There are so many things he doesn't do, that are not made up for by what he does do, which isn't much. He makes Aaron Young look pretty good. 4. Charlie Dixon's kicking for goal. OMG
Paul D
Roar Guru
Only in the minds of people who believe in alternate universes Your problem isn’t with richmond’s legitimacy it’s with the AFL as a whole
Paul D
Roar Guru
Have to agree. If Richmond beat either a WA, NSW or SA team at the G after losing to them at home during the regular season the separatists will be back in full voice
Carl
Guest
There has to be some serious doubts on how legitimate Richmonds MCG premiership is now.
IAP
Guest
Just as I suspected. Richmond are track specialists at the MCG.
Angela
Guest
And herein lies the big problem with AFL. The home advantage for teams like Richmond et al having every GF at the MCG. Huge advantage as recognised by the organisers of NRL State of Origin matches (bigger in many ways than the NRL GF) who, aware of the home-ground advantage problem, deliberately move their matches around. Future plans include taking Origin to SA and WA. I am aware of all the pro MCG arguments - better stadium, biggest crowd holder, money/money/money, tradition etc, however AFL will never be truly national while this flaw remains.
IAP
Guest
It was god awful football. Richmond were lucky to reach 50 points. Footy is almost unwatchable at the moment.