A 50-POINT victory over South Adelaide on Sunday has been described as an exciting, whole team effort by SANFL senior coach Chad Cornes.

Sunday’s blitzing win saw not only strong defensive pressure across the field, but a firing attacking game with 12 Magpie goal kickers hitting the scoreboard for the day.

“It was a good, even spread,” Cornes told portadelaidefc.com.au after the win.

“We had a huge defence in contest focus, the boys themselves came up with how they wanted to play in terms of those areas.

“A few of the back got involved and kicked goals and that was a focus for us today; for our defence to really join in and get involved offensively.”

The first half was a brilliant display of on ball pressure, in particular the second quarter where the Magpies scored an impressive 8 goals to the Panthers’ 1, only conceding the sole major in the final minutes of the term.

“The first half was probably the most complete half we have played in our season so far,” Cornes said.

“That second quarter was as good as we’ve played all year and that was built off the contest and the tackling - the forward pressure in particular I thought was sensational.

“It’s hard to sustain that for a whole game; the drop off in the last half can be put to that maybe, but all in all we’re really happy to come down here and win because not many teams win down here.”

The third quarter saw a boost in energy from the Panthers and a slight dip in pressure from the Magpies gave the home side their opportunity to claw back some lost ground.

Cornes was particularly impressed with young AFL draftees Willem Drew and Joe Atley, while also pointing to Jake Neade’s performance and the growth of Category B rookie Emmanuel “E-Man” Irra.

“They backed it up again today, both Drew and Atley were brilliant, Neade again pushed his case to go up to the AFL - I thought he lead the way with his forward pressure and 12 tackles,” he said.

“’E-man’ is a really reliable defender and the guys love having him in the team, the growth in him in the last couple of months has been as big as anyone.”

AFL-listed Dan Houston and Cameron Hewett pulled out of the team late due to post-training soreness, allowing SANFL contracted players Steve Summerton and 50-gamer Louis Sharrad to take the field.

Sharrad topped off his milestone game with a goal of his own and eight tackles, while skipper Steven Summerton was named in Port’s best with 31 disposals.

“It was great to have Summo and Sharrad back in the team…Sharrad brings the toughness and Summerton uses the ball so well,” Cornes said.

Both Houston and Hewett are expected to be available for selection when Port Adelaide takes on West Adelaide this weekend.

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