After the Power's 24-point loss to the Crows, here's what we took away from the game...
1. We just don't win these games...
Port Adelaide now trails the Crows 4-7 in the pre-season Showdown ledger, and hasn't beaten the Crows in a trial match since 2010. So what does Saturday's result really mean? On the scoreboard, not much: there's no premiership points on offer; 'supergoals' don't really exist and you'll never have two subs in a game (not yet anyway). But both sides came to play on Saturday and Port learned you can't muck around in front of goal. Ken Hinkley wasn't happy with the Power's overuse of handball, and inaccuracy in front of the sticks, and came away with a fairly realistic view of things: Port was shown up, and has plenty of work to do.
But that might just be a good thing.
The Crows' pressure was hot on Saturday, and Ken Hinkley says it gave the Power a wake-up call [pic: AFL Photos]
2. 11 straight points doesn't help...
The Crows got on top of the Power in the third term, highlighted by three supergoals. What really hurt Port though was its bizzare 11 consecutive behinds that extinguished its chances in the third quarter. Peppering the scoring area and giving the goal umpire some unorthodox shuttle run training along the goal line, too often did the Power squander a snap or miss a regulation set shot. Fortunately, Saturday's 11 behind didn't surrender four premiership points.
That won't be the story if it happens again in a fortnight.
Boaky was one of the Power's best on Saturday, but like many couldn't split the middle. [Pic: AFL Media]
3. Butcher can bag 'em...
Oft-maligned forward John Butcher was the highlight for Port Adelaide on Saturday. He looked confident, strong overhead and dangerous when lining up for goal. It's a description not often heard of Butcher externally, but he recaptured some of that excitement he brought on debut as a talented young prospect at the end of 2011. Butch has enjoyed an incredibly positive pre-season and this NAB Challenge has allowed him to demonstrate versatility up forward and down back.
Now he just needs to find consistency.
You did good, Butch, you did good. [Pic: AFL Media]
4. Seeya later West Lakes...
Just 13,000 saw the final (yes, the final) game at AAMI Stadium. Even with free entry and a combined membership figure exceeding 100,000, could it be said both Power and Crows fans voted with their feet on Saturday afternoon? Maybe it was the lack of enthusiasm for a pre-season Showdown, or that fans are just trying to salvage one last weekend away from the game before 23 weeks of rollercoaster emotions on another wild AFL ride, but the place was certainly emptied fast after the final siren...
Good thing Adelaide Oval is back open for business in a fortnight.
It's been a nice 41+ years for Port Adelaide at Footy Park, but this really was the last time. [Pic: AFL Photos]
Your say...
Youngy v Eagles or Butcher v Crows? Which was better?
