PORT Adelaide has let a golden opportunity slip, after allowing Adelaide's SANFL side to score six unanswered goals in the final term, leading to an eventual 30 point loss at Mannum Oval on Sunday.

Not even four goals from John Butcher and three from Luke Reynolds was enough to help Port Adelaide over the line. 

The Magpies were able to fight their way back from a 25-point deficit mid-way through the second quarter to lead by nine points at the final break.

When John Butcher booted his fourth goal to start the final quarter the signs looked promising for Port Adelaide's first win for 2016.

But, it was not to be, as the Crows midfield pressure stepped up a notch and eventually helped their forwards score six unanswered goals.

The Magpies had no answer to Adelaide's run and carry and, although the likes of Corcoran and Bonner tried hard, the Crows' experience and mature bodies proved the difference.

In positives for the Magpies, Kane Mitchell finished the game with 37 disposals, while Steve Summerton was consistent with 29.

AS IT HAPPENED

FIRST QUARTER
Port Adelaide's youngsters had come to play at Mannum Oval and the desperation to make amends for the poor performance in round one was evident from the first bounce.

The Crows' SANFL side was strong with more than half its side boasting mature, AFL-listed players, but the Magpies refused to be out-muscled at the contest.

It was not, however, a lack of pressure or effort that left Port Adelaide trailing at quarter time by 11 points. It was rather a lack of poise and finesse when in attack and in front of the big sticks.

Luke Reynolds started well and was instrumental around the ground with his forward-line pressure and was the only goal scorer for the Magpies in the quarter. In contrast to last week's accuracy in front of goals, the Magpies booted five behinds in the first term.


SECOND QUARTER
John Butcher got Port Adelaide off to the perfect start in the second term with a goal to cut the Crows' lead to just four points. But after his major, it was all the Crows.

Adelaide had runners all over the ground and its midfield proved too strong with their hard running and ability to clear the ball at the stoppages. The Crows forwards also reaped rewards for a few costly defensive mistakes by Port Adelaide and goals to Knight, Menzel, Wigg and Ramsay pushed the Crows out to a game-high lead of 26 points.

The Magpies, however, refused to give up. Summerton, Colquhoun and Mitchell stepped it up a notch and began winning the clearances. Butcher was able to boot a second major from a tight left angle just inside 50 and Byrne-Jones also got on the scoresheet after relentless tackling and attack on the ball. The margin at the main break mirrored that of the first quarter.


THIRD QUARTER

Port Adelaide mounted the pressure on the Adelaide Crows to start the second half. Despite being beaten in the ruck with the inexperienced Jonathon Ross under pressure against O'Brien, the Magpies midfield began to fire and, led by Kane Mitchell, the forwards were given ample supply.

The Magpies dominated in disposals, but were not able to put any real scoreboard pressure on their cross-town rivals. Inaccuracy in front goal plagued Port Adelaide. A goal to Mitchell 17-and-half minutes into the quarter tied the scores. Beech then quickly got one back for Adelaide.

John Butcher's third and a goal to Summerton after he stole the ball put Port Adelaide in front at three quarter time.

FOURTH QUARTER
Butcher again gave Port Adelaide the start it needed, booting his fourth goal after some solid midfield pressure from Mitchell, Colquhoun, giving the Magpies a 15 point lead.

But, after that, the quarter was played entirely on Adelaide's terms again.

Port Adelaide continued to work hard, but had no answer for the Crows' bullish attack on the ball and its relentless pressure.

The Magpies found themselves second to each contest and, on the rare occasions players found themselves with the ball, Adelaide forced Port Adelaide into skill errors, mirroring the somber first and second quarters.

Port Adelaide found themselves kicking kicks in hope into attack and the ball was quickly cut off by the Crows' defence.

The eventual 30-point loss was a disappointing, missed opportunity for the young Magpies side which was unable to hold onto the ascendancy.

Port Adelaide takes on North Adelaide on Saturday at Alberton Oval next weekend.

SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE      1.5   5.8    9.13     10.14   (74)
ADELAIDE CROWS  3.3   7.7     8.10    15.14   (104)

PORTADELAIDEFC.COM.AU’S BEST
Summerton, Biemans, Reynolds. Mitchell, Butcher

GOALS
Butcher 4, Reynolds 2, Ross, Byrne-Jones, Summerton, Mitchell

INJURIES
TBC

CROWD
TBC

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