The Port Adelaide Power have started their AFL finals campaign in impressive fashion, putting in a commanding second-half display to defeat Geelong in their qualifying final at the Adelaide Oval.
With over 20,000 fans in attendance, it was the more experienced Cats who had the better of the early exchanges, however their accuracy in front of goal was lacking from the outset – and continued throughout the entire match.
Port went into quarter-time up three points, but their opponents again found themselves in the ascendancy in the second term, particularly at the contest. A late goal to skipper Joel Selwood looked to have given them a buffer at the main break, only for Brad Ebert to put the hosts back in front by two points before the siren sounded – even though Geelong had more behinds to their scorecard than Port Adelaide had scoring shots.
Tom Hawkins was particularly profligate, going into halftime with 0.3 before finishing the match with another two behinds and no goals.
It was the third quarter in which Port made their move, kicking 3.2 to 1.1 to pull away at the final break. Ken Hinkley’s men were able to wrest control of contested ball back from Geelong after receiving something of a spray from the coach in the sheds, and they prevented the Cats from controlling the flow of the game.
It was an all-too-familiar scenario for Cats fans, who have consistently seen their side lose finals in recent years on the back of one crucial quarter, and so it would prove once again.
A superb solo runaway goal late on to Patrick Dangerfield had given them some semblance of momentum heading into the fourth, and when Rhys Stanley kicked the first goal of the term the threat of a comeback was looming.
However the Power responded, Peter Ladhams getting on the end of some superb build-up work from Zak Butters and Steven Motlop – both of whom were excellent throughout the night – to notch a major less than two minutes after Stanley’s. Todd Marshall then goaled ten minutes later to seal the result.
While key forward Charlie Dixon was kept quiet by Harry Taylor, his only notable moment of the night coming when he was bumped into the stands and took a seat next to a fan, but Port were well served by a number of standout performances. Motlop booted three goals against his former club, Butters played well beyond his years, and the likes of Sam Powell-Pepper, Tom Rockliff and Ollie Wines stood up in the midfield, particularly in the second half.
Hinkley has a couple of injuries to sweat on, Marshall hurting his shoulder early on and Xavier Duursma suffering a sickening head knock in the third quarter, although the youngster was able to eventually walk off the ground after play had been stopped for some time.
However the week off will give both players every chance to be fit for their preliminary final, which will be played in Adelaide against one of the Tigers, Lions, Bulldogs and Saints.
The Cats, meanwhile, will have a second chance next week against the winner of Saturday’s clash between the Eagles and Magpies.
Port Adelaide Power 9.4 58 (Goals: Motlop 3, Ebert 2, Dixon, Rozee, Ladhams, Marshall) def Geelong Cats 5.12 42 (Goals: Stanley 2, Tuohy, Selwood, Dangerfield)
Dangersphere 10
Roar Rookie
It was a wonderful goal wasn't it Peter, with his explosive pace off the mark he is always a chance of doing something like that out the back if we can clear it to him in a 1-on-1, or in this case a 3-on-1.. and Goalsonly I wouldn't be so quick to discredit the running bounce at pace. As PTS already said, yes its a basic skill when going slow, but dial up the pace to full sprint and it becomes incredibly difficult, especially when being chased. It can also go wrong so soo easily, leaving you looking like a fool, so for paddy to take 3 was not only nice viewing, but also incredibly confident on his behalf. Shame the rest of the boys couldn't bring that same confidence in front of goal, it cost us dearly in an otherwise VERY winnable game. The only good thing to come out of it was the fact that we at least avoided the tigers in another prelim, if we even make it that far :unhappy: sighhh
TomC
Roar Guru
I am once again in favour of the pre-finals bye, after three excellent finals.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
Cats looked a little slow against port. I dont know why Clarke is out of favour with his run and carry ability and why Blics is not down at full back. Scott all was has a reason but they never seem to work in the big games that count.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
cherish them. Not much to celebrate this year, especially when your one bright spark comes from the geelong falcons.
Mark.
Roar Rookie
Exactly, he’s usually a great kick.
Graeme
Guest
Ask Pav if he would rather have swapped just 1 flag for all of his best and fairest awards and all the other accolades he achieved playing for Freo.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I was referring to the uploading of this article.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
I hate it when they change the rules all the time. Must be hell on the players and coaches. At least it gives us something to talk about.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
yeah there were a couple of 25-30 metre kicks they called no 15...frustrating.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
It's one of the most basic skills but we see it so rarely. I often think why didn't he run a bit further. I'm sure there's different measurements for the running bounce and the short pass. Were they calling a lot of no fifteen last night when the kicks were far longer than in the season proper? I think someone mentioned it here.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Agreed Goalsonly. Just before the very first one I was thinking "better be quick" but the others were perfect IMO. Can't help marveling at the bloke running full pelt with an opponent on your back and still having the confidence to bounce on the run. Sometimes we don't have to post critique and just marvel at the play.
Chris
Guest
No Larry , Hawks fan lucky to have seen numerous premierships during mid 70’s, 80s through to 13-15 and cherishing those memories as Premiers like those who played still do I’m guessing
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
it never felt like he was running too far. i think no call was the right call
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
The future may be different from what you imagine.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Doesn't matter now and I don't know whether we want to pull it up but 3 bounces in 75-80 metres?
Nick
Roar Guru
I did read the post again. You said umpires put the whistle away in finals. I then gave you a ream of evidence to show that was BS. You then said "I find your argument unconvincing no matter how factual and logical. We don’t have to agree and I’ll never prove it too you."
Nick
Roar Guru
Time will tell but you can’t use the argument lost convincingly when PA turned it around on their home ground and didn’t put the Cats away really that's the point though isn't it. The fact that Port didn't really put the cats away and still won by 3 goals is enough to know that Cats just weren't in it.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
I agree with that but is it the only thing they play for?
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Absolutely Dean, even my wife was making the Danger to the middle call at 3 quarter time. Obviously a no brainer.
Eddie from Elwood
Roar Rookie
From what I saw, I agree, was hard at it