HERE'S what we learned about Port Adelaide in Saturday night's Round 17 thriller against the Bombers...
1. The John Cahill Medal is a Gray area...
Wingard is on track to be the first man to beat Schulz to the leading goal kicker award since 2011 [pic: AFL Photos]
That's right, it's not necessarily staying with Robbie Gray.
Chad Wingard's consistent year continue with a three-goal performance against the Bombers, and plenty of defensive pressure around the ground all night. He's been good. Very good. Some would say he's in better form than his 2013 All-Australian year, and the stats back it up. Saturday night's performance, including what was nearly the greatest mark we've ever seen, simply continued a very strong year from the Power's leading goal kicker.
He'll give the B&F a run, that's for sure.
VOTE: Wok in a Box Fans' MVP
AIR CHAD: Wingard's almost MOTY
2. Broadbent is a reliable modern defender...
If he was any more well-rounded he could be a circle... [pic: AFL Photos]
After being dropped following the Power's loss to Brisbane, Broadbent has worked his way back into form.
The last three weeks have been particularly positive for Broady, and he was crucial in setting up two goals in the first term when it was all one-way traffic to Essendon.
His reliable kick, efficient use and well-rounded athleticism makes him an important component in Ken Hinkley's back six. We hope he continues his solid form because it's been important in both of the Power's last two wins.
MACCA: Broady the blogger's fav
REPORT: Power wins a thriller under the roof
3. Port will win in 'blue collar' style for the rest of the year
Ports have always had a 'blue collar' reputation. A workmanlike approach will win them games. [pic: AFL Photos]
It's difficult to see the Power running amok with a blaze of goals and playing a game entirely on its terms. It just hasn't happened at all this year. Certainly, Port Adelaide is a shadow of its 2014 self, but it doesn't mean it can't win games.
It will just win them differently.
The Power haven't had a 'pretty' win this year. The players have needed to work, and work, and work. Saturday night's effort against the Bombers confirmed that. With key players on the sidelines and the opportunity for the next wave of talents to earn their place in the side at present, expect it to be a continuing theme.
While blue collar footy mightn't be pretty, it's always a good feeling to win a close one.
TALKING POINTS: Power v Bombers
PTV: Hinkley post-game
4. Ryder can reach new heights
Paddy and friends leave the ground on Saturday night. [pic: AFL Photos]
The ex-Bomber has been very strong for several weeks, and despite a quiet start to Saturday's game, he came alive to win the game for the Power.
Four goals were crucial to their stocks and silenced Essendon's crowd. Some called it luck, but you get more luck with hard work, and Ryder has been working hard off an interrupted pre-season and the usual challenges of fitting into a new club in a pivotal role.
The best is yet to come, it would seem...
HE WAS LUCKY: Ex-coach and now-coach rate Ryder differently
PTV: The Ryder highlight reel
