A gutsy Port Adelaide outfit fell just eight points short of a fourth-straight win on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Prospect Oval.

The Magpies narrowly led North Adelaide for the first half of the match, but a dominant third quarter saw the Roosters regain the lead, which they held for the rest of the game.

Despite the narrow loss, Coach Tyson Goldsack was proud of the team’s efforts against an experienced opposition.

“We had a plan in place and we knew that we had to play it for four quarters,” he said.

“We wavered a little bit from time to time, but we were able to steady the ship and then keep pushing forward.

“I think that’s what’s changed from the start of the year – that we can actually have things go against us but then find a way to get back in the game and get momentum on our side again.”

Wet and wintery conditions at Prospect Oval caused challenges for both sides. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Goldsack was pleased with his talls, particularly in wet conditions, which wouldn’t typically favour bigger players.

“Our talls were really good on a day that wasn’t suitable for them,” he said.

“You’ve got Haysey (Sam Hayes) who kicked three and provided contest after contest, same with Tom Scully.

“Our rucks in (Dante) Visentini and Teaks (Brynn Teakle) were pretty good against their two rucks who were also pretty experienced and pretty decent players as well.”

Trent Dumont kicked the opening major of the first quarter and went on to collect the most Port Adelaide disposals (25), however North soon responded with two goals of their own.

Trent Dumont was among the best, collecting 25 disposals and a goal for Port Adelaide. Image: Brandon Hancock.

The Magpies finished the quarter strong with two goals, heading into quarter time with a six-point lead.

The second term saw both teams trading goals, neither able to take full control of the game.

Tom Scully provided the highlight of the quarter for Port, slotting three, including an exciting snap around the body.

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Highlights: Port Adelaide v North Adelaide | PTV

See the highlights from Port Adelaide's clash with the Roosters at Prospect Oval.

The Roosters gained ascendency after the main break to be back on top for the first time since the second quarter, however Josh Sinn scored late to keep Port within reach.

The final quarter was a tense affair as both teams traded the first four goals.

North Adelaide then capitalised on a young Magpies’ backline, which was without experienced head Tom Clurey, who was a late withdrawal with back soreness.

Brynn Teakle and his fellow talls worked hard in the wet. Image: Brandon Hancock.

The Roosters kicked away in the final term to secure the eight-point victory, despite back-to-back Magpies’ goals in the dying minutes.

Goldsack expressed how Clurey’s absence was missed in the difficult conditions.

“He’s been so good for us just because he’s so experienced, and without him there, we get inexperienced really quickly,” he reflected.

“He’s just an old head that can set us up really well behind the ball, and in conditions like they were today, it definitely would’ve been nice to have him.

“But you’ve got to roll with those punches and hopefully he’ll be back in a couple of weeks, and we’ll be thankful for it.”

Port Adelaide will face Woodville West Torrens on Sunday 4 June at Alberton Oval.

Port Adelaide     3.2      8.3      10.6      14.8     (92)
North Adelaide  2.2      7.2      11.9      15.10   (100)

Port Adelaide
Goals: Hayes, Scully 3, Sinn 2, Cheesman, Dumont, Ferrari, Hagan, Lee, Szust.
Best: Sinn, Hagan, Short, Burgoyne, Scully, Moore.