PORT ADELAIDE made it three wins in a row after a dominant display versus North Adelaide on Saturday.
The Magpies got off to a hot start and didn’t look back, cruising to a 38-point victory that boosted the club’s SANFL finals hopes, now sitting a game clear in fourth.
Despite moments during the game where North were able to stem the bleeding, Tyson Goldsack’s side led the game at every break, taking advantage of the Roosters’ inefficiency in front of goal.
“We were on top of them early, they (North Adelaide) had some shots on goal and they missed a few which I think was because we had good pressure, the second quarter they probably had the edge, they came out firing,” Goldsack said.
Goldsack commended his side’s ability to reset at halftime after a hard fought second quarter.
“We honed in on what we thought was really important, got back to what we were doing in the first quarter and it worked out for us and we kicked a good score. I think they still had a lot of scoring shots but a lot of them were either pressured or rushed or spoiled.”
Saturday’s game marked the return of captain Cam Sutcliffe, who played his first game since Round 1. His leadership shone through as he dictated the flow of play from defensive fifty, turning in a strong backline performance finishing the game with 28 disposals, four marks and six tackles.
“It's great (having him back). He's the conduit between the AFL and the Maggies and does a really good job in that space,” Goldsack said.
“He drives training standards and is the connection piece between the two (teams), and then to see the work he's put in over the last five, six weeks to come back. He's pushed through and here he is and he played really well. Just a really good all-round game today.”
In his second game back from a hamstring strain, small forward Orazio Fantasia provided his trademark spark inside fifty, converting three goals. Coach Goldsack praised Fantasia’s speed, ability to impact the contest and hit the scoreboard.
Outstanding performances from the likes of Hugh Jackson (25 disposals, three goals) and Riley Bonner (32 disposals, two goals) led the way for the Magpies, with each making their case for AFL selection.
“We know it's a balancing act, we want guys to play well here so we can win but (also) so they can play AFL so I think if you're in the mindset of doing the right things by the team and by yourself, you'll get rewards and that's what happens. Bons played really well, Hugh Jackson in the middle was sharp,” said Goldsack.
Looking to build on today’s compelling performance, Port Adelaide will have the chance to make it four consecutive wins when they battle top of the table Sturt at Alberton Oval next Sunday at 1:10pm.
Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 5.1 7.3 10.6 14.7 (91)
North Adelaide 1.4 3.7 3.11 6.17 (53)
Goals: Fantasia, Jackson 3, Bonner, Szust 2, Evans, Hagan, Narkle, Scully
Best: Jackson, Sutcliffe, Bonner, Evans, Pasini
