SOUTH ADELAIDE has beaten Port Adelaide by 35 points at Hickinbotham Oval in Round 9 of the SANFL.
Port looked to respond from a disappointing loss to North Adelaide at Alberton last week, as they travelled to Noarlunga on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The intent around the contest was clearly evident for the Magpies, but it was the Panthers who hit the scoreboard early.
The home side kicked the opening five goals of the contest to take a 29-point lead into the first break.
Dom Barry was influential in the opening term, collecting 14 disposals in the midfield, while Levi Proude and Karl Amon also found plenty of the leather.
A couple of early goals in the second quarter for the Magpies saw them get to within 17 points, but from there it was difficult to score, as the Panthers took a 27-point advantage into the main break.
Jack Trengove again asserted himself on an SANFL game this season, racking up 18 first-half possessions, while skipper Steve Summerton gathered 17 touches.
A four-goal third quarter to the Magpies cut the margin to 17 points at the final change, thanks to two goals from North Melbourne recruit Lindsay Thomas.
The Magpies closed to within nine points of South in the third term, but that was as close as they came.
The Panthers kicked six goals to three in the last quarter to run out 35-point winners.
Barry (29 disposals), Trengove (27), and Summerton (27) all toiled hard for the visitors through the midfield, while Thomas finished with four goals.
The Magpies face Central District next Saturday at My Money House Oval at 2.10pm in Round 10.
SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide 0.3 3.7 7.7 10.11 (71)
South Adelaide 5.2 8.4 10.6 16.10 (106)
GOALS
Thomas 4, Barry, Summerton, Hayes, Kluske, Farrell, Davis
BEST
Barry, Trengove, Summerton, Thomas, Pittard, Amon
