PORT ADELAIDE kept Glenelg at bay in the second half, defeating the Tigers by 14 points on a gloomy day at Alberton Oval.

Facing the reigning premiers at home, Port Adelaide (9.7.61) collected its second consecutive win and third victory for the year against Glenelg (6.11.47). Kicking four goals to one in the first quarter, the Magpies were able to keep the Tigers at arm’s length as they held on for what was a scrappy win.

Willie Rioli was instrumental in the Magpies' win, kicking three important goals. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Second-half clouds and rain spoiled the sunny conditions of the game’s opening, providing a slippery setting for the latter half of the match. However, Port Adelaide was still able to protect its lead, only trailing once in the first quarter before going on to lead at every break.

The Magpies were also boosted by AFL experience in the form of forward Willie Rioli (three goals) and defender Esava Ratugolea (14 disposals, six marks), providing poise and leadership at both ends of the ground. Captain Nick Moore returned from his leg injury which also bolstered the side with 12 touches and a goal.

Although the Tigers competed well and won critical statistics such as inside 50s, (30-52), clearances (32-40), and disposals (260-329), the game-high 23-point lead that the Magpies held in the final quarter proved too large to regain. 

While disappointed that his side had been beaten in these statistics, Coach Hamish Hartlett was proud of his team’s ability to hang on for a gritty win.  

“It was a grind… The players have responded really well to some pretty honest conversations that we had a few weeks ago around the way we compete,” Hartlett said.

“We’ve improved in that area over the last few weeks. Obviously having some personnel back was beneficial… but we feel like we were getting a little bit more continuity in the way that we’re playing which is giving us some good results,” Hartlett explained.

Captain Nick Moore returned from injury and had an impact with 12 touches, five tackles and a goal. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Hartlett also commented on the importance of momentum and the opportunity to end the season playing reliable football.

“We’re certainly building towards [reliability]. I don’t think we’ve nailed it, but hopefully come the end of the season, we’re seeing a really strong, contested, reliable-type performance from us every week.”

Young ruckman Dante Visentini was influential on Saturday and dominated the ruck battle having 54 hitouts along with 12 disposals, collecting praise from his coaches after being recognised as one of the best afield. 

“We think really highly of [Visentini]. For a young ruckman to be so dominant, particularly over the last three games for us, has been super impressive. His attitude is just amazing for us,” Hartlett praised.

Dante Visentini was one of the best on ground with a 54 hitout, 12 disposal performance. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Hartlett was also impressed with Rioli and Ratugolea’s return to football, praising the defensive efforts and presence of both players.

“[Rioli] did some really important stuff for us defensively, and he was really vocal and provided some good leadership throughout the day too,” Hartlett said.

“[Ratugolea] looked powerful, he looked like he had good speed. So again, a positive return for him after spending a few weeks out.”

Port Adelaide will hope to continue its run of form against South Adelaide next Sunday at 2:10pm, once again playing at Alberton Oval. 

Scoreboard
Port Adelaide  4.0  5.4  6.5  9.7(61)
Glenelg  1.4  3.5  4.8  6.11(47)

Goals: Rioli, Scully 3, Pascoe Moore, H Ferrari
Best: Visentini, Ratugolea, Short, Rioli, Williams