BEING asked to run with one of Brisbane’s top midfielders was never going to be an easy task, according to Andrew Moore.

But, the 22 year old rose to the occasion and limited the influence of Lion’s veteran Brent Moloney in Port Adelaide’s nine-point win on Sunday at AAMI Stadium. 

Moore equalled his season best possession count, racking up 25 disposals – the same number he managed in his side’s win against Collingwood two weeks earlier, when he shut down Pies danger man Scott Pendlebury. 

These numbers have not come easy for Moore, who told portadelaidefc.com.au he had worked harder than ever this season to earn his stripes. 

“It’s just upping that work rate and I’ve just worked really, really hard on improving,” Moore said. 

“All my teammates and the midfielders around me have worked hard too and just have that bond, which makes it easier too.” 

Moore kept Moloney to just one goal and six inside 50s, but said he was happy to come away with the four points. 

“Moloney is a fantastic on-baller so I based my game around him and it was great to get a little bit of the ball and get involved in the attacking side, but it was just great to get the win,” he said. 

“He is a contested player and really liked to get on the move on stoppages so it’s very hard to defend him and it was a great learning curve for me. 

“It was a big relief to finish off the game really well. 

“It wasn’t the best win but credit to Brisbane because they really came to play and it was great to see their pressure was there.” 

The win put Port Adelaide back into the top eight, as it prepares for the final Showdown ever to be played at AAMI Stadium next Sunday. 

Moore said he expected the Crows to come out firing next weekend, despite it being almost impossible for their cross-town rivals to make the finals. 

“It’s a massive build-up and we love Showdown week it’s a massive game and we can’t wait for it – this is why we play football for these massive games and we are there to win,” Moore said. 

 “They are going to come hard and they aren’t going to leave anything in the tank, but neither are we so it’ll be great to be involved in it and hopefully come away with another win.”