Watch the match review from Sunday’s game against West Coast Eagles on PTV above. Can’t see the video? Watch on YouTube.

DESPITE a third term surge, Port Adelaide was again unable to challenge its second top four contender in as many weeks when it fell 48 points short of the West Coast Eagles at AAMI Stadium.

End Game

The Power was unable to make the most of its early opportunities in front of goals - scoring just five behinds in the opening term - and it was that lack of momentum that restrained Port Adelaide from challenging an Eagles outfit that hit some good form.

Port began to find some momentum in the third term, holding the Eagles to one goal whilst booting three of their own, but in cool, windy conditions the home side struggled to damage West Coast on the day.

Jay Schulz was the only multiple goal scorer for the Power, which was again hit by injuries to key players - this time Andrew Moore and Paul Stewart.

The Scoreboard

Port Adelaide 6.14 (50) def by
West Coast Eagles 14.14 (98)

Best: Pearce, Cornes, Broadbent, Westhoff, Brad Ebert, Trengove

Goals: Schulz 2, Brett Ebert, Wingard, Westhoff, Pearce

Injuries: Paul Stewart (concussion). Andrew Moore (hamstring)

Substitution: Chad Wingard replaced Paul Stewart in the second quarter

Leader board

Disposals leader: Kane Cornes (32)
Marks leader: Kane Cornes (10)
Tackles leader: Aaron Young (6)
Clearances leader: Kane Cornes (10)
Hitouts leader: Matthew Lobbe (10)
Scores leader: Jay Schulz (16 points)
Dreamteam leader: Kane Cornes (135 points)

Headlines

Skills must improve: Hocking
Moore, Stewart injury update
Power tumble to Eagles
Quarter by Quarter

Footage

Stewart’s courage
Hocking and Broadbent post-match press conference
Match highlights
PTV Exclusive: Wingard post-match
Pearce snaps truly

Analysis

Port Adelaide matched the Eagles in most aspects of the game, providing some encouragement for a playing list looking to build confidence heading into what should be a significant pre-season.

Unfortunately the main area Port couldn’t match the West Australians was on the scoreboard, where the Eagles comfortably maintained a 48-point buffer by the end of play.

Whilst the Eagles ruck combo of Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui dominated the hit outs, Port only trailed their opponents by 23 possessions and effectively matched West Coast in all other aspects of the game.

Once again the Power trailed in disposal efficiency and turnovers again proved damaging, with caretaker coach Garry Hocking lamenting the ease with which his players lost possession.