A SIX goal to four final quarter wasn’t enough to secure victory for Port Adelaide, who fell three points short in blustery conditions against Woodville-West Torrens.

The Magpies commanded general play throughout the match, including doubling the Eagles’ inside-50 count (63-31), but couldn’t convert their authority on the scoreboard.

Hugh Jackson was the only injury, suffering a head knock which saw him sit out the second half of the match.  

11:51

Highlights: Port Adelaide v Woodville-West Torrens | PTV

See the highlights from the Magpies' narrow loss to the Eagles.

Coach Tyson Goldsack reflected on how the team was unable to maximise on their dominance around the ground.

“[The result] was disappointing because we were doing a lot of things right, getting the ball in our front half,” he said.

“Our energy seemed like it was low. That connection wasn’t really there in the first half.

“The third quarter was really solid but again we couldn’t capitalise.

“So it was a massive ask at three quarter time for the guys to just try and bridge that gap to score in a day that was pretty tough to score.”

SANFL Round 8 - Port Adelaide v Woodville-West Torrens

The Magpies and Eagles clash at Alberton Oval in Round 8 of SANFL action. Images: Brandon Hancock.
58

Despite the loss, Goldsack was pleased with the effort and determination of the team.

“I just love the way they go about it; I love the way that our Magpies list of players turn up week in, week out.

“We had guys like Tom Jonas back this week, Orazio Fantasia, Quinton Narkle for the first time, and they just slotted in and did what they do best.

“You know, it’s just a team of players that play a certain way and it doesn’t matter who it is or who it is against.”

Orazio Fantasia made his return to the field following a stint on the sidelines with a quad strain. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Port Adelaide were on top of Woodville-West Torrens right from the beginning of the match, however inaccuracy in front of goal let the side down.

The Eagles scored the first two goals before Francis Evans slotted the Magpies’ first goal late in the term.

Conversion continued to be an issue in the second quarter, with Port kicking five behinds while the Eagles kicked two goals, extending their margin to 15 points at half-time.

The wind picked up in the third quarter, causing some wayward field kicking.

A courageous pack mark and subsequent goal from Jake Weidemann broke the Magpies’ streak of behinds, as both teams finished with a goal each for the quarter.

Jake Weidemann's trademark courage was on full display, with a brave pack mark leading to a crucial third quarter goal. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Cody Szust kicked his first goal in the first 30 seconds of the final quarter, kickstarting the goal-fest.

The Magpies traded goals with Woodville-West Torrens for the first half of the term, before Szust and Jed Hagan combined to kick four Port goals in a row, capturing the lead for the first time in the match.

Through Daniel Menzel the Eagles converted in the late stages of the quarter to reclaim the lead, eventually running out victors.

Goldsack lauded the work of new recruit Quinton Narkle (29 disposals, six clearances, eight tackles), who slotted into the side with ease.

Port Adelaide mid-season draftee Quinton Narkle impressed on his debut for the club, racking up 29 disposals. Image: Brandon Hancock.

“We haven’t spent much, or any time [with him] going through our game plan. It was just kind of ‘get out there and the guys will communicate with you out on the field what we need'.

“He took a bit to get in the game, but once he got in, it was pretty special, so a shout-out to our recruiting team for the mid-season draft pick.”

Port Adelaide will face Central District on Saturday 10 June at 1:10pm at Alberton Oval.

Port Adelaide     1.3      1.8      2.10      8.11     (59)

North Adelaide  2.1      4.5      5.8      9.8   (62)

Goals: Szust 3, Evans, Hagan 2, Weidemann

Best: Narkle, Hagan, Dumont, Moore, Burgoyne