THE Magpies were unable to hold on in a tight contest against West Adelaide at Alberton Oval, going down by four points in their second pre-season hitout.

In picture perfect conditions, Hamish Hartlett’s young side were looking to build on last week’s performance against Norwood and bring the energy early in their last match before the season proper begins next week. 

“I thought it was an improvement on last week. Obviously, the conditions were a bit more favourable for everybody to play some decent footy, but I thought the pressure and the energy around the ball early on in the game was where it needed to be,” coach Hartlett said.

The Magpies came out hot in the second half, responding strongly to a low scoring first half by challenging the Bloods’ defence with their line-breaking ball movement. This change was spearheaded by impressive performances off half-back by Xavier Walsh and Josh Lai, whose defensive intercepting allowed the Magpies to slingshot the ball forward.

“Josh (Lai) was fantastic. He's got great aerial abilities, and he’s a super explosive and powerful player. And he shows up with his speed in his legs. And he can also get up and take a good high grab as well. So he showed some really promising signs again,” Hartlett said.

“I thought Xavier Walsh just played an outstanding game. One of his best games for the footy club, which was really exciting. He's had a tricky pre-season to try and navigate, so for him to play the way he did is an exciting step forward for him now.”

In what was his second consecutive best-on-ground performance, Tom Cochrane continued to firm his case as a future AFL star. The 19-year old kicked four goals (including three in the third quarter), with two coming from near impossible angles on the boundary line.

“Tom Cochrane was just electric up forward. He can create things out of seemingly nothing, Cockers, and kicks goals from just about anywhere. So he was fantastic again,” Hartlett said.

Today’s match marked the first appearance in Port Adelaide colours for North Melbourne VFL recruit Jack Watkins, who was impressive despite heavy opposition attention.

“Probably not ideal for him to be getting tagged in his first game over here in South Australia, but I expect that he'll probably cop a bit of attention throughout the year, but he continued to work tirelessly from start to finish,” Hartlett said. 

An exciting season looms ahead for the Magpies who will look to continue building the connection between their emerging talents. 

“We’ve got a lot of 18, 19, 20 year old kids that are still figuring out how to play at SANFL level, for starters, and then their connection’s just going to grow week by week. So there's lots of positive things to look forward to, starting next Friday.” said Hartlett.

The Magpies will get their 2025 campaign officially underway next Friday night as they take on the Tigers at Alberton Oval. 

SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide 1.6   2.8   6.12   7.14   (56)
West Adelaide 0.3  2.5   3.10   8.12   (60)

Goals: Cochrane 4, Charleson, Moore, Barrett

Best: Cochrane, McLennan, Lai, Walsh, Watkins, Williams