Self-belief is powerful in football and, at Port Adelaide, it's at an all-time high. The Power was finished at half time – down by 38 points and without a single mark inside forward 50. The Eagles were running rampant in every facet of the game. But, like they did against Adelaide, the Power kept fighting. Port outscored West Coast by 43 points in the second half, with 18-year-old Jake Neade, captain Travis Boak and Hamish Hartlett all standing up. Saturday night was a courageous victory and, just a season after being the competition's laughing stock, the Power is quickly becoming one of its sweethearts.
I thought we were gone, admits Hinkley
2. Wasteful from the West
West Coast should have had the game well and truly wrapped up by half-time. The Eagles' had 20 scoring shots to just seven at the main break, but could convert just seven. As it was, the Eagles took a commanding and seemingly match-winning lead of 38 points into half-time, but they were forced to rue missed opportunities for the second week in a row. Some goalkicking lessons should be on John Worsfold's agenda this week as the Eagles are making a habit of kicking themselves out of contests.
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3. Neade is something special
He's only 18 and the shortest player in the AFL but Jake Neade is making a huge impact at Port Adelaide. Even when his side was being smashed all over the ground on Saturday night – including the scoreboard – Neade never threw in the towel and looked to spark a resurgence at any opportunity. He was crucial in the Power's amazing comeback. The speed demon booted a goal, set up two others, but was the livewire that told his teammates the game was still there to be won when they would have been forgiven for thinking otherwise.
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4. Super start
West Coast might have entered Saturday night's encounter with Port Adelaide as underdogs in many eyes, but its first term suggested the opposite. The Eagles started the match with a ferocious intensity, dominating the Power and controlling possession. Their defensive wall – set up across their half-forward line – proved impenetrable once the ball made its way inside. They managed 30 more disposals for the quarter and took eight marks inside 50 to zero and 30 to just seven overall.
All Hart: Hamish praises Port leaders
5. Where's Westy?
Justin Westhoff was arguably the form player of the competition before the opening bounce. He had seemingly unlocked the key to consistent performances and such was his domination in AFL Fantasy, he had made all coaches who picked him appear gurus. But with just 15 AFL Fantasy points to half-time and 45 by the final siren, what happened to the 'Hoff'? Mitch Brown happened. The Eagle wore Westhoff like a glove, negating his influence and keeping him to just 13 touches and 45 Dream Team points.
