A dominant third quarter set up a big pre-season win for Port Adelaide with Connor Rozee starring with a best on ground performance in his first official outing as captain.

Port Adelaide put away Fremantle by 39-points in their final pre-season contest and were impressive with their pressure. An overwhelming focus on attacking the ball from the Power resulted in Fremantle failing to score in the third term and allowed a collective of forwards to capitalise on their inside 50 count of 56-37.

Rozee was the star of the show in his first outing in the famous #1 guernsey, with 26 disposals, seven tackles, two goal assists and a goal. The newly appointed captain led from the front and was influential with and without the ball, making himself an option and characteristically creating something out of nothing, starting off his campaign beautifully.

Jackson Mead was a quiet achiever racking up an equal game-high nine score involvements and 95.2% disposal efficiency from 21 touches, backing up an impressive display from last week and once again put his name forward for a Round 1 appearance. Ollie Wines also ended his pre-season on the right foot after injury and form struggles in 2023, gathering 12 contested possessions, 27 touches and a goal.

Port Adelaide’s aggressive trade period seems to be paying off already, with great performances from all four new faces. Ivan Soldo started the first quarter hot, kicking the opening goal and amassing 10 hit outs, a strong application for the position of the number one ruck come Round 1, whereas Brandon Zerk-Thatcher collected 12 touches and nine marks. Jordon Sweet showed signs of intensity and smarts with 11 hit outs, while Esava Ratugolea was rested in the fourth quarter after eight marks and a team high seven intercept possessions.

Port Adelaide fans would be impressed with the team’s focus on intensity and pressure, while also converting their opportunities, smashing the Dockers 18-5 marks inside 50, 64-49 tackles, and 127-60 marks. The Power was also able to create plenty of opportunities close to goal, scoring 10 of their 13 majors from shots within 30m from goal. Despite losing the clearance count 29-35, Port Adelaide’s new look defence was composed and constantly returned the ball forward.

There was injury concern early for superstar and newly appointed vice-captain Zak Butters who left the ground with an ankle sprain and took no further part in the match. Senior coach Ken Hinkley stated in his post-match press conference that he took a cautious approach with Butters and he is expected to be available for Round 1.

Willem Drew and Todd Marshall also showed no signs of the injury worries that kept them out of last week’s match simulation, while 33-year-old Charlie Dixon played 84% of the game and kicked two goals and assisting in eight scores.

Coaches will have a headache when it comes to Round 1 selection as fringe players Jackson Mead, Lachie Jones, and Jed McEntee all put in strong performances, while Mitch Georgiades is closing in on an AFL return from an ACL injury. Hinkley stated during the week the side playing tonight would be “as close as we can be for Round 1”, which was on display as the Power ran away with the win comfortably.

Port Adelaide now looks ahead to Round 1 where they host the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on Sunday March 17 at 3:30pm ACDT.

SCOREBOARD

Port Adelaide   2.3       7.5      11.11   13.14  (92)  

Fremantle         2.2       5.3       5.3     8.5    (53)    

Goals: Rioli 3, Dixon 2, Wines, Soldo, Rozee, McEntee, Marshall, Drew, Byrne-Jones, Boak