PORT ADELAIDE has been defeated by 21 points in a tough clash with top-of-the-table Woodville-West Torrens.   

The result cements the Eagles in top spot on the ladder with the Magpies falling to third with four wins and two losses.

Angus Monfries was best for the Magpies with 28 disposals and a goal, while Aaron Young was also solid in his first SANFL game for the year after starting the season playing the first seven AFL matches.

Against an evergreen ladder leader, Port was always going to face a stiff challenge at Alberton, and was greeted by the Eagles’ fitness and class from the first bounce.

While the effort was there, the Magpies weren’t able to match the Eagles’ ball use, and battled to break into attack throughout the day while also contending with yellow jumpers charging at forward 50 throughout the early parts of the game.

Despite an early goal from Brett Eddy, Port conceded three to the Eagles and, in a low-scoring affair, was forced to play catch-up on the scoreboard all afternoon.

There were signs of early promise at the start of each quarter: a Monfries kick inside 50 created the perfect set-up for Todd Marshall in the second term, and the third started with Aidyn Johnson slotting one through.

But the Eagles were able to respond each time through their handball and attacking pressure keeping the ball inside their attacking half.

In another blow for the Magpies, young midfielder Will Snelling was taken from the field with concussion after being hit by former Power utility Paul Stewart in a contest. Stewart was a 101-game player and life member for Port.

Port Adelaide next plays Central District at Alberton Oval on Saturday  27 May at 2.10pm.

Scoreboard

Port Adelaide                                1.2        3.5        4.6        6 7 (43)

Woodville-West Torrens 3.0        5.5        7.7        9.10 (64)

Goals
Eddy, Marshall, Neade, Johnson, Monfries

Best
Monfries, A. Young

Injuries
Snelling (jaw)