PORT ADELAIDE continues to put pressure on the league-leading Eagles in the SANFL, with a massive 128-point belting of West Adelaide its latest scalp.
The victory – Port’s biggest over West since 1903 – was on the back of a seamless performance.
Dougal Howard was supreme in attack. He scored the first goal of the game with a strong boot from the 50-metre mark, and would go on to score seven more for the match.
Aaron Young was superb at winning the contested ball and pumping it into the Magpies forward line, he finished with 36 disposals and five goals.
Jake Neade was also a handy utility in the forward line. He created many opportunities pushing the ball forward, assisted in setting up multiple goals and even scored one of his own.
The big win came despite an even contest in first quarter, with the ball hotly contested on the wing as both teams battled to gain the advantage.
West was able to force midfield turnovers from the Magpies early, but faced Port’s tough defence making it hard for them to break through.
Port picked up the pace in the final minutes of the first quarter though, slotting four goals to leave West struggling to keep up.
The Magpies started the second quarter strong with four goals in a row to Palmer, Marshall, Eddy and Young before Keough converted for the Bloods six minutes in.
Despite West trying to turn the momentum with two early second-term goals, the Magpies regained control by upping their attacking pressure and shutting down the Bloods’ defence.
Lienert was impressive - topping the board with 37 disposals – he, Irra and Houston were vital to keeping West from entering their attacking 50.
The only blemish on the win the sidelining of Angus Monfries, who will have scans during the week after suffering calf tightness.
Sunday’s 128-point win marked the biggest win for Port since Round 2, 2014 and cements Port’s position on the ladder, just one win behind Woodville West Torrens.
Port Adelaide’s next SANFL game is against Sturt at Peter Motley Oval on Sunday 18 June at 2.10pm.
Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 4.6 11.8 21.10 28.14 (182)
West Adelaide 0.6 2.7 4.8 7.12 (54)
Best
A. Young, Howard, Neade, Austin, Atley, Houston
Goals
Howard 8, Young 5, Ladhams, Marshall 3, Palmer 2, Atley, White, Neade, Drew, Eddy, Krakouer, Lobbe
Injuries
Monfries (calf)
Crowd
2556 at Alberton Oval
