WEST Coast
Port led Sunday's close contest by one straight kick at
A host of new faces lined up for both sides for the first time at Leederville Oval, with Power draftee Dom Barry a standout after returning from the football wilderness.
The former Melbourne onballer was clean early when he answered West Coast debutant Liam Ryan's opening major and finished with 20 disposals.
Ex-Demons forward Jack Watts (one goal) did some clever things despite only having nine touches, but fellow recruits Steven Motlop, Jack Trengove and Lindsay Thomas had little influence.
Power forward Charlie Dixon
Ryan had the chance to put the Eagles ahead late in the contest but missed an easy set shot, which cannoned into the woodwork.
His athleticism thrilled the crowd and his
Big man Nathan Vardy also pushed his case for the season-opener, booting two goals and taking some strong grabs as a forward-ruck.
Against his former club, Brendon Ah Chee (10 disposals) was relatively quiet, but the Eagles would have been happy with Jack Redden's efforts in an expanded midfield role.
Redden had 26 touches and booted a fourth-quarter major, providing strong support for stars Luke Shuey (26, one goal) and Andrew Gaff (35 disposals).
SCOREBOARD
WEST COAST 3.1 4.3 6.6 8.8 (56)
PORT ADELAIDE 4.2 6.2 7.6 8.6 (54)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Dixon 3, Barry, Bonner, Watts, R.Gray, Amon, Dixon
PORTADELAIDEFC.COM.AU'S BEST
Barry, Dixon, Pittard, Amon, Boak, Bonner,
CROWD: 4,317 at Leederville Oval
West steal win over Port in dying minutes
Just two points in arm wrestle with West Coast.