FIRST QUARTER

The momentum was all Port Adelaide’s throughout the first quarter as the Magpies kept a slow starting Eagles outfit goalless.

Luke Reynolds got the Magpies started by hitting the scoreboard from a set shot within the first minute, which was quickly followed by the Eagles’ only score for the term – a minor through Ainger.

Free-flowing, play-on footy saw the Magpies control the play all the way down the field, and a major to speedy left footer Jared Polec saw Port Adelaide establish a two-goal lead early in the quarter.

Gaining plenty of opportunities up forward and capitalising with accuracy, the Magpies led the inside 50 count seven to the Eagles’ two 11 minutes into the game.

Jimmy Toumpas produced some magic, plucking the ball high inside 50 from above teammate John Butcher and two rival Eagles. He couldn’t hit the scoreboard, but redemption was quick through Butcher who received a bullet from Reynolds on the run; lining up infront of goal.

The Magpies finished the first term with a sailing set shot from Anthony Biemans, leaving the home side up by 25 points at the first change.





SECOND QUARTER

After spending the first quarter fairly quiet up forward, returning big man Matthew Lobbe started the second term sharing ruck duties with Billy Frampton.

The Eagles were desperate for a score and managed their first goal of the game through Wundke within minutes, followed by a minor to Ainger to trim the defecit to 18 points.

Cameron Hewett was first to score for the Magpies with a behind while under pressure on the run, but a crucial mark from Riley Bonner on the outer side brought the ball back into a waiting Butcher who snuck one through for the Magpies.

The Eagles responded with a thumping boot into their forward 50 after the centre bounce, which saw Ainger awarded a 50m penalty directly infront of goal over a scuffle at the mark.

But despite accuracy from Ainger, it seemed tat whatever the Eagles produced, the Magpies were able to answer.

After missing to the left from a set shot from 48m out, Nathan Krakouer redeemed himself almost immediately with a brilliant smother off an Eagle boot, resulting in a high-flying goal from almost the identical spot!

At half time the Magpies led by 26 points.



THIRD QUARTER

The third term began with an opportunity for the Magpies through Luke Reynolds, who was unable to capitalise from a very tight angle in the right pocket.



What followed the minor score was a 10-minute scoring drought for both sides, keeping the margin locked at 27 points for a good portion of the quarter.

The Eagles broke the silence with two consecutive goals (their first consecutive scores for the game) from Wudnke and Allmond – and lifted their work rate, appearing dangerous at times.

They fought hard, but the Eagles weren’t able to break Port Adelaide's backline strength.

Butcher steadied for the Magpies on the run, managing their first and only goal for the quarter, and his third for the game.

Despite outscoring the Magpies in a strong third quarter performance, the visitors were still chasing a 20-point defecit at the final change.





FOURTH QUARTER

Louis Sharrad was the first to goal in the fourth term with a beautiful score right on the 50m line, pushing their lead out to 27 points and sparking further energy for the Magpies.

Ainger kicked another important goal for the Eagles at the eight minute mark, keeping them within reach – but the Magpies were preparing for a sprint home.

Cameron Hewett was able to find the man who kicked eight without a miss last week – Luke Reynolds – who slotted his second, while a sailing goal to Polec and another to Reynolds put Port Adelaide ahead convincingly halfway into the fourth term.



The hungry Magpies eventuated, taking away the four points with a solid 41-point win over the ladder leaders.

SCOREBOARD

Port Adelaide 4.2 6.5 7.7 12.10 (82) def
Woodville West Torrens 0.1 2.3 4.5 6.5 (41)
Goals: Reynolds 4, Butcher 3, Polec 2, Biemans, Krakouer, Sharrad 1
Portadelaidefc.com.au’s best: Polec, Colquhoun, Bonner, Rudloff, Reynolds, Butcher, Sharrad
Crowd: 2,741 at Alberton Oval