THE Magpies have notched up consecutive wins in the SANFL for the first time this year thanks to a “ruthless” finish, according to senior coach Chad Cornes.
The Magpies followed on from its strong performance against Central Districts last week to claim a 73-point win against the Bloods on Saturday.
Sam Gray led the charge in the midfield with 37 disposals and nine clearances, while Luke Reynolds could not be stopped up forward, finishing the game with eight goals.
Both performances earned Cornes' praise.
“We spoke about being ruthless at three-quarter time and finishing out the game, which we did really well,” Cornes said.
“I thought we finished it off in a great fashion.
“The pick for me was Sam Gray - his work rate and energy and effort was a standout...eight goals [for Reynolds] is brilliant."
After dominating much of the first half, Port was challenged in the third quarter, as the Bloods got within 25 points.
But players showed toughness and heart and they slammed home seven of their 19 goals in the final quarter.
Young ruckman Billy Frampton was one of those players, with Cornes hailing his performance as his best for the year.
“[Frampton] was high in hitouts (23) and high in possessions as well (23)," Cornes said following the match.
“He really got involved once the ball hit the ground, hunted the ball and followed up his work really well.”
Cornes pointed to a focus on controlling possession - particularly through kicking - as the sticking point for securing the win.
“The last couple of weeks we’ve had a possession focus, building the ball up by foot,"he said.
“It was one of those games where everyone contributed very well.”
Port went into the match unchanged for the first time this year - a luxury Cornes hasn't yet enjoyed, thanks to ongoing injury woes.
The win has kept Port’s hopes of sneaking into the state league’s top five firmly alive as it moved into sixth spot – just two games behind fifth-placed Central.
Port Adelaide will play Woodville-West Torrens Eagles at Alberton Oval on Saturday July 16 at 2.10pm.
