Last week’s success saw Port Adelaide on top on the ladder at the end of Round 2.
Yet, the win over a poor opposition in the Adelaide Crows saw few taking Port Adelaide seriously as contenders in this year’s unique season. If the battle last night against Fremantle wasn’t evidence enough of Port’s bid for contention, it sure was a step in the right direction.
Fremantle looked ready to challenge early after two rounds of near losses, scoring 4.1 in the first quarter, leading by six at the break. The quick back-and-forth pace kept the game in a state of flux, as both sides wrestled for control.
It wasn’t until a heavy passing shower in the second quarter saw the Port Adelaide midfield grab a hold of the game, and the big men hitting the scoreboard when it counted.
Travis Boak continued his Showdown Medal-winning performance, with a game-high 26 disposals, eight inside 50s, and two goal assists.
Boak was joined in the midfield by another former skipper in Ollie Wines. After a one-week suspension for breaching Covid-19 rules set in place by the AFL, Wines showed he hasn’t lost a step, looking as comfortable as a pig in mud fighting through the torrential downpour.
Wines’ 25 touches, six clearances, and seven score involvements silenced those who questioned his inclusion into the side.
Impressive throughout the rain, none impressed more than Port’s forward line forces of Charlie Dixon, Justin Westhoff, and Todd Marshall kicking five between them. A strong preseason overseas with Travis Boak has Charlie Dixon primed to stand as the dominant key forward, while Marshall in particular looks to be hitting his stride just in time to give newcomer, Mitch Georgiades, some competition for the next man up alongside Dixon.
The team performance was soured, when young gun Xavier Duursma injured his hamstring during the third quarter, kicking the ball inside 50. Duursma will have scans today to find out the severity of the incident, however Coach Ken Hinkley stayed positive post-match, suggesting “he’ll probably be out for about three weeks”.
Xavier Duursma (Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Duursma’s presence on the wing will be sorely missed. Alongside Connor Rozee and Zac Butters, Duursma brings an excitement to the game that energies his teammates. While his withdrawal isn’t ideal, it opens up a spot for some players who are yet to prove themselves to coach Ken Hinkley in 2020.
As Ryan Burton was sidelined after suffering a knee injury during the Showdown, Ollie Wines secured a spot in the team, and allowed Dan Houston to make a successful transition to the back lines. Duursma’s absence could likewise see Jack Watts make his long awaited return to AFL, after breaking his leg against Carlton early last year.
Watts showed some good signs during the scratch match against the Crows last week, and may relive Houston of his backline duties. Replacing Duursma on the wing, Houston could show off the endurance and running he worked on over preseason to ease his move into the midfield.
There is also the potential of Westhoff’s versatile game style seeing him move to the wing to replace Duursma, and Mitch Georgiades finding a spot alongside Dixon and Marshall. Or perhaps a debutant could be selected, as Port Adelaide’s top draft pick, Miles Bergman, also impressed during last week’s scratch match.
Now settling into the Queensland hub, Port Adelaide turn their attention the West Coast Eagles, who haven’t quite adjusted to hub-life as easily as other interstate teams. A win over the Eagles would further cement Port Adelaide’s place atop the AFL ladder, as they continue to push towards finals.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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