IN the two-act play that was Port Adelaide's second consecutive win for the year, we look at four things we learned...
1. Act 1: Charged Power is a joy to watch...
It was 100% prime, footy-fed Port Adelaide in the first half. That potent mix of attack and defence the Power prides themselves on was in full force in the opening quarter, and then when Hawthorn responded in the second, they absorbed the pressure and volleyed right back with another winning quarter. The second quarter was almost as enjoyable as the first for that reason alone.
Ken Hinkley said the first quarter is impossible to maintain, but Port's ability to dominate early in a 2014 elimination final-esque effort is something we hope to see more of this year...
Eight goals in the first quarter was the talking point of the match. [Pic: AFL Media]
2. Act 2: Resistance isn't futile...
It's a tough life down back when your opposition goes inside your territory 36 more times than you do theirs. It would be remiss to deprive Hawthorn of credit for their second half, but the Power showed that even if you can't stop the Hawks taking the ball inside their attacking 50, you can make it very difficult for them to produce a score.
The Hawks scored 10 second half goals and could've done more damage considering the pressure they heaped on the Power, but despite the inside-50 disparity, Port rebounded 38 more times and kept Hawthorn to just 10 marks in attack. The Power can certainly clear from the back and make every contest a genuine battle.
Pittard's rebound, a courageous Westhoff floating back to good effect after half time and Carlile taming Jarryd Roughead in defence were some of our highlights in defensive 50, but every backman played his part on the night by getting to contests and providing support to teammates trying to clear from danger.
The life of a defender isn't glamorous, but gee they're important.
Carlile has been in great form these first four weeks. [pic: AFL Photos]
3. Ryder is settling in (and we love Lobbe's pressure)...
It's great to see Paddy Ryder making an impact. After missing the NAB Challenge, the ruck-forward has shown his worth in his opening four appearances and is looking more and more comfortable by the week in this team. And how about that goal to break the second term stalemate?
Combined with Matty Lobbe, who played his first game back from injury and brought his trademark tackle pressure around the ground (eight tackles), we reckon this could be a very exciting dynamic duo.
Lobbe had eight tackles in his return game. [Pic: AFL Media]
4. Boaky lifts for ANZAC Round...
Thelma Kenton, the sister of Major Peter Badcoe VC for whom Port Adelaide's ANZAC Round medal is named, is getting to know Travis Boak. For the second consecutive year, she's presented her brother's medal to the Power skipper for his exceptional performance on the field. It's not an award for simply being the best on ground either; it's for the bloke who embodies the ANZAC spirit of skill, courage in adversity, self sacrifice, teamwork and fair play on the night.
Boak was vintage. His workhorse contested ball and that steely determination he uses to lift his teammates back into the match was worthy of a second Badcoe Medal, no doubt, and few could argue against it.
Boaky was great again in ANZAC Round. [Pic: AFL Media]
