They say a week is a long time in footy and for many Port Adelaide fans, Saturday night’s loss to Brisbane was the end of the world.
Seeing the comments on social media was nothing short of people throwing the toys out of the pram at their side’s first loss of the year.
While it wasn’t the best overall performance from Ken Hinkley’s men – getting beaten up around the ball, losing the contested possession count 118 to 105, something that Port Adelaide prides itself on – they won the stoppage clearances 31 to 19 but lost the inside 50 count 48 to 35.
The first quarter hurt Port, kicking 1.6 to 2.1. The story could have been much different had the goal kicking been more accurate.
The second quarter is where people really got annoyed at Port. It was something of a flashback to the team’s awful performances last year. No run, no effort and they simply got bullied and outworked around the ball to in the end concede six goals while managing just the solitary goal thanks to youngster Zak Butters just before halftime.
Apart from the second quarter debacle, Port more than held their own against one of the best teams in the competition now in Brisbane.
(Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
After halftime there was not much difference in the two sides with the damage already being done earlier. Port kicked 4.5 to Brisbane’s 4.7 and when you look at the final margin of 37 points, all of that can be attributed to Port’s horror second term.
Now I could just be in the minority here, but Saturday night’s loss is not the end of the world.
Port Adelaide had been on top of their game for four straight weeks, which is hard to do, and there was bound to be a down week and unfortunately for Hinkley’s men it was not a good look as there is a huge difference between Port’s best and worst game.
Travis Boak was once again a shining light with 26 touches while Zak Butters was solid with 18 disposals and two goals in what was a disappointing night.
Big forward Charlie Dixon was held goalless for the first time by Harris Andrews and much of the criticism was towards the power forward.
Let’s be realistic here. Andrews is a premier defender of the competition and in defence of Dixon, the ball coming in didn’t make it easy on him. Numerous times it was just a bomb to a two or three on one, and seriously, we can’t expect many of those duels to be won consistently.
So yes, the performance was not great. It did not look good. But let’s be completely honest, teams are allowed to have an off night every now and then, right?
That was Port Adelaide’s first bad game in five. In a truly testing time they still sit atop the ladder at 4-1 while only playing one home game in Adelaide to start the year, so I would advise against writing off the Power already after one loss.
They regroup and go again this week against the Giants. For people doubting them after Saturday night, they could not be more wrong.
spud171
Roar Rookie
and yet where are your team sitting on the premiership table thats all i got to say
BillyW
Roar Rookie
I think punters have a right to doubt this side right now.....as you said we have not been reliable in the past and the quality of opposition has been questionable. As for our 1.6 1st qtr....we had repeat low percentage shots compared to the lions ability to score with ease, by the end of the game they would prove to miss more gettable shots than us. The second was a cake walk and I was like you happy to see an increase in effort after half time but still they walked in goals whilst we battled so hard for each score.....37points flattered us, I was grateful it wasn't more.... The consistency I crave is still just a hope not a given, but I really look forward to those glimpses of potential becoming regular performances....hopefully we can reward Boak, Robbie and Westy with another decent finals run before they close out. Massive test again this week.....
Michael
Guest
Reading this article Yes Id agree number wont regrettably Couch coaches will always have better idea. Yes we are all entitled to an opinion for sure and yes expect top performances. BUT We also have to accept off game days And that there are on other days just simply better side. Ports history based on SANFL Not on AFL level and we have and remain long way to go. One can complain as much as they like. Fact is we must keep trying and achieve constantly Hard core members expect / demand 100% effort What more can be ask? Lets hope with ALL the turmoil in 2020 That we can finish in the top 4 if not the top 8?
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I think what's going to happen is Butters and Rozee will play more through the middle. A 200cm Dougal Howard would help right now wouldn't it.
MattinSG
Guest
Agree completely, I just can't see Sutcliffe as the answer. I would much prefer to bring Houston back to the midfield, which was the plan for 2020, and bring in Lienert instead. It would also address, at least partially, our height issue from last week. If we get beaten in the air again by their forwards, I will be less than pleased.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
A chain? What does that mean?
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
You know I'm a Freo fan Don, just pulling your chain.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
He did but If Marshall plays back I’m tearing up my membership. I love Rockliff but in hindsight he prob should have a spell and Burton had to come back in.
MattinSG
Guest
He did it
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
As mentioned above, won 3 quarters against Port. Beat Brissy in all but Dean Margetts non-mark to Tabs. Lost the other two by a kick. All that with significant ommissions. Each of Freo's losses have been to top 6 sides.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Please don't do any of that Ken.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
How's your team going Don?
Gman
Roar Rookie
Only angry because they dont pick a side to match opposition. Assistant coaches dont seem to be accountable for their area. No changes get made . Why not put Marshall down back on a tall . Put Rockliff on the bench tell him he is injured and Bonner put him on the bus and tell him its time to go. He wont know its not. Where is the whiz kid mitch georgiardis.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Start to block Charlie's run at the ball (again), he will become frustrated (again), spit the dummy (again) and more sides will experience success against Port.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
And stomach
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
They are the Teal Deal.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You probably "should have" lost the Freo game...but for the 2nd quarter downpour (see what I did there?).
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Way to miss the point mate. If Port kicked straight they would have won, did they deserve to win…….NO, that’s what happens when you kick poorly. The point I was making was that it was Ports own fault and for the record I said it was the best footy I’ve seen played, the luck was inferring that a couple of those goals came straight from their backsides, luck is often with the team that’s playing better footy.
Pelican
Roar Rookie
Our ability to change strategy in game if things are not working is a big Coke Zero. Its hard to watch.
Andrew Blake
Roar Rookie
I accept that I'm a bit biased as a rabid Lions fan, but it seemed to me that the Power's defence really struggled with Brisbane's 3-tall forward setup. It's not too hard to see them getting smashed up by Cameron, Himmelberg and Finlayson this weekend. If they can get on top of, then yes - genuine contenders without a doubt. Granted, 3 tall forwards is old-school and very few teams use that style anymore. But I'd be worried if it happened two weekends in a row.