A DOMINANT second half performance has seen Port Adelaide defeat Sydney by three goals at AAMI Stadium.
On a drenched deck courtesy of constant rain overnight and on Saturday morning, and amidst a breeze that tore the Port Adelaide Cheer Squad's banner to shreds before the players could even run through it, the Power rewarded its brave fans with a thrilling victory on home soil.
But it was not without a great challenge.
Not only did Port face the task of playing a Sydney side which had only weeks earlier dismantled the Crows at the same venue, but the late change of two players saw a very different team dynamic run onto the field.
The coaching panel made a late change to the side by bringing in Andrew Moore for John Butcher who was suffering from tonsillitis.
It was also seen as a sound decision to rest Butcher with the conditions already favouring an extra big-bodied midfielder, as opposed to a third tall forward.
But another hiccup just minutes before the start of the game saw Paul Stewart replaced by Campbell Heath after the utility injured his back during the warmup.
The Power trailed Sydney by 11 points at the first break with the Swans enjoying a four-goal opening term.
But the Swans kicked with the strong breeze and it was clear the Power had come to play with a strong and committed team performance characterising its early play.
In what proved to be one of the most gruelling arm-wrestles of the season so far, Port Adelaide slowly chipped away at the defending premiers to close the gap to just four points at the final change.
From there the Power emphatically controlled the final quarter and used the advantageous breeze to slot five goals to Sydney's two.
Thanks to clever contributions from Angus Monfries (two goals), Chad Wingard (three) and the late-game majors of senior forwards Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff and Robbie Gray, the Power held on to clinch a classic Port 'underdog' win.
Underdogs, because at 6-5, the Power were at odds of 8-1 to take the win.
Classic, because of the grit and resilience showed by both sides throughout the day, not only the Power's guts and determination to peg back the margin.
And critically important for a Port Adelaide outfit facing the challenge of other top four candidates Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn in the next three weeks.
"I think we've beaten a genuine top-four side today, they're a side that's going to be there at the end of the year," senior coach Ken Hinkley said after the game.
"You want to test yourself against the best ... for us it's a great confidence builder."
That confidence will be critical in the next three weeks.
Port Adelaide hosts Collingwood at AAMI Stadium next Saturday 29 June.
FINAL SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) defeated
Sydney Swans 8.6 (54)
Goals: Wingard 3, Monfries 2, Broadbent, Neade, Monfries, Schulz, Gray, Westhoff
