EXPERIENCE proved the difference at Alberton Oval, as Port Adelaide claimed a classy 23-point victory over Central District. The win sees Tyson Goldsack’s men move to a 5-5 record ahead of next weekend's clash against Norwood.

In beautiful footy conditions, it was the likes of Tom Jonas, Ryan Burton and Orazio Fantasia who led the charge and secured Port Adelaide a ladder-jumping win. Coach Goldsack was pleased with the way his experienced players stood up.

Experience proved the difference on Saturday, with skipper Tom Jonas recording 23 touches and five tackles. Image: Brandon Hancock.

“They took the charge and our inexperienced guys were able to follow," Goldsack said after the match.

Port Adelaide started the game hot, with goals to Ollie Lord, Jackson Mead and Fantasia providing an early buffer. The Magpies' swift ball movement out of the middle was on full display, with new recruit Quinton Narkle racking up 11 first-quarter disposals.

The Bulldogs returned fire with three goals of their own to level the score, but Cody Szust and Fantasia were able to finish the quarter strong and give the Magpies a 12-point quarter-time lead.

15:19

SANFL Mini-Match, R9: Port Adelaide v Central District | PTV

Extended highlights of the Magpies and Bulldogs SANFL clash in Round 9.

Only two goals were kicked in the second quarter as the pace of play was slowed right down, a prelude to the way in which the Bulldogs mustered back control in the third quarter and closed the gap on the scoreboard.

Goldsack noted that his side's defensively sluggish third quarter allowed the Bulldogs to claw their way back into the game, with his message at the last break centering around “taking the fight” to the opposition, and “playing our own brand of footy again.”

Ryan Burton was praised by coach Tyson Goldsack for his attitude and performance. Image: Brandon Hancock.

This message was well received, as the fast movement and forward pressure that Port Adelaide started the game with returned, seeing the Magpies open the final quarter with a flurry of goals, including Narkle’s first for the club. This gap proved unbreachable for Central District, with Goldsack’s men able to ride out the rest of the quarter for a convincing victory.

Narkle’s star continues to rise at Port Adelaide as he collected 33 disposals and a goal, following up on a big performance last week. Goldsack lauded the mid-season recruit’s ability to adapt to his new environment. 

Mid-season recruit Quinton Narkle was among the best for a second consecutive week. Image: Brandon Hancock.

"The way he’s settled in is a credit to both Quinton and the guys around him," he said.

Fantasia starred with four goals, but the coach said his performance went further than just his impact on the scoreboard.

“The small forward role is a tough role, but Orazio was huge up forward today," Goldsack said.

"He kicked goals, but he also provided a heap of pressure and forced turnovers.”

Playing his second consecutive week in the SANFL, AFL captain Jonas continued to show his strong leadership down back, setting the tone for his side's strong final quarter performance. Goldsack was quick to praise the skipper, alongside fellow defender Ryan Burton.

Orazio Fantasia was brilliant, slotting four goals in his second game back from injury. Image: Brandon Hancock.

“TJ over the last two weeks has been huge for us, and Burto came back with a really great attitude, which can sometimes be hard for players who find themselves out of the AFL side," Goldsack said.

"(It's) a credit to Burto and the kind of guy he is, he did all the right things today.”

The Magpies will look to continue their winning ways at The Parade next Sunday, where they take on Norwood for a chance to boost their chances at a top-five berth.

Scoreboard:
Port Adelaide       5.2      6.6    8.9    13.14   (92)
Central District    3.2      4.3    7.6    10.9     (69)

Port Adelaide
Goals: Fantasia 4, Evans, Szust 2, Barkla, Lord, Scully, Mead, Narkle.
Best: Fantasia, Narkle, Jonas, Short, Burgoyne.