PORT ADELAIDE has had its first SANFL pre-season hit out, going down by four points in a six-period effort against reigning premier Woodville-West Torrens at Alberton Oval.
The Magpies welcomed Kye Roberts, Jackson Lee, Nick Moore, Aidan Turner, Brayden Kirk, Mackenzie Nield and Anthony Wilson to the program, while AFL recruits Sam Skinner, Trent Dumont, Jase Burgoyne and Dante Visentini also played.
The Eagles were the impressive side in the first term, kicking four goals to one, with Port’s sole major coming from Jake Weidemann following a free kick.
Jase Burgoyne, playing alongside brother Trent who has returned to the club in its SANFL program, was impressive out of defence and had an early shot at goal from right on 50 metres which just went wide.
In an early physical contest, Trent McKenzie was in a tough collision against Eagle Connor Ballenden but played out the rest of the game and his influence grew as the day progressed.
However, Dumont wasn’t as lucky, as he was collected late in a marking contest involving Dane McFarlane and the former Kangaroo was stretchered off and ruled out through concussion protocols.
The Magpies kicked another major in the second, through sharpshooter Dylan Williams - the first of his two for the afternoon.
Port was entering forward 50 without a heap of reward on the scoreboard, while down back off-season recruit Skinner was commanding the defence and picked off plenty of intercept balls.
The Eagles continued to dominate in the third with again only one goal for the Magpies through a weaving Nick Moore.
The Eagles rotated their squad for the second half, resting a number of senior players and the Magpies rallied against the fresher legs.
Owen Montgomery – son of 2004 premiership player and current AFL midfield coach Brett Montgomery - slotted his first for the club with a neat set shot and Williams snapped a beauty from distance as the Magpies held the Eagles scoreless in the fourth.
Confidence and team chemistry grew as the time went on in the fifth period, as captain Cam Sutcliffe marked and converted on the end of a long kick from Ollie Lord.
The Eagles wrestled back momentum with a couple of majors, but Lord was finding himself more involved in the game after a quiet opening half.
He kicked a neat checkside in the bowling club pocket, which was then followed up by Nield who capitalised on a stellar lead and converted the kick.
The Magpies’ pressure continued to increase in the sixth stanza, as Sutcliffe kicked a trademark snap from the club headquarters pocket.
Nield slotted a second with a darting kick out of a pack, but late missed shots would prevent the Magpies from earning a pre-season victory.
Williams marked late and had a shot after the final siren to put his side in front, only to see his shot agonisingly hit the post.
The Magpies will have another trial game in a fortnight on a date to be confirmed.
Port Adelaide's AFL contingent will be in action this afternoon in a clash with Adelaide at Richmond Oval from 3:40pm. The match will be broadcast on Kayo.
