RILEY BONNER played in an elimination final in just his fourth AFL game in 2017. It was an epic but finished with Port Adelaide going down in extra time to West Coast.
He waited four years and 60 games for another shot at finals football, and has described being part of the club’s qualifying final win over Geelong last week as “a privilege”.
The 24-year-old is now determined to make the most of the opportunity in front of his side this year.
“I’ve been in the system a bit longer and I’ve had a few more games now,” Bonner told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I guess you just know finals don’t come around very often and when they do come around you take them with both hands.
“Obviously, it was under different circumstances with it not being an elimination final and it being a qualifying final. Seeing the boys do it last year and not being in the side made it something I was really proud and really privileged to be doing (this year) with this bunch of fellas.”
Port started well against the Cats on Friday and controlled the game, with its high-pressure, high intensity style. And it punished Geelong’s forced errors on the scoreboard.
Bonner explained there was a plan before the game and the side executed well in a big occasion.
“We knew it was a big game and we came out wanting to nullify the way they play,” he said. “They’re sort of like us where they like taking marks and controlling the ball but we had Aliir (Aliir) down back who started on fire for us and was able to kickstart our offence.
“We just controlled the ball well and used it going inside 50 and it obviously helps when forwards are finishing in front of goal.
“We had a really good start and were able to build off that.
“After having a slow start in the last couple of weeks, to come out firing on all cylinders was really pleasing and to play in front of a crowd of 20,000 Port fans mainly was so loud and very exciting.
“It was nice to be out and back in front of them.”
Bonner has played at half back, on the wing and at half forward this season, showing his versatility in a side in which players were challenged to be able to play multiple roles.
He is exceeding his career averages in almost every statistical category in 2021, including averaging 19 disposals and 383 metres gained – ranking him as above average against players across the competition who play similar roles.
The West Adelaide product has paid tribute to one teammate in particular for freeing him up to play his natural game.
“Aliir has been huge for us all year and… on the weekend he showed why he was an All-Australian,” Bonner said.
“He frees guys like Tom Jonas up as well, who has normally been that strong pillar for us down back, and we’ve got Trent McKenzie and Aliir also controlling the airways and allowing guys like myself, (Ryan Burton), (Dan Houston), (Darcy Byrne-Jones) to rebound well off Aliir, feed off him.
“He sets us up well behind the ball and… it definitely makes our job a lot easier.”
Bonner said the intensity at training had increased in recent weeks with the return of a number of players from injury and the pressure for spots.
He said he was looking forward to playing a preliminary final against either Brisbane or the Western Bulldogs, especially with a chance that there could be another increase to the crowd allowed at Adelaide Oval for the match.
“I can’t put it into words, how excited I am to run around in front of hopefully a packed Adelaide Oval,” Bonner said.
“I’m just excited and privileged to play for Port Adelaide and in front of a packed crowd with family and friends would be nice.
“It’s a big occasion and hopefully we can play some really good footy again and get through to the big dance.”
Port Adelaide’s preliminary final will be held at 7:10pm ACST on Saturday 11 September.
