FOR THE SECOND time in four years, Port Adelaide has been dealt heartbreak in a thrilling SANFL Grand Final. 

The Magpies' one-point loss came after their late surge reeled in Sturt's 18-point advantage in a low-scoring decider. 

A goalless third term despite a swing in momentum to their favour put a handbrake on the Magpies' surge, after ex-Crow Aidan Riley slotted a crucial goal for the Double Blues late in the term. 

It was a bitter end to the quarter, which was totally dominated by the Magpies.  

Riley had a chance to kill the Magpies with an early set shot in the fourth quarter. 

But his kick erred for a point, and gave the Magpies an opening.

Quick goals to Jake Neade, Brendon Ah Chee and Tom Gray brought the Magpies equal with the Double Blues late in the fourth. 

Sturt got one back, but the Magpies managed to turn another goal through Ah Chee, and trailed by one point late.

But Port couldn't find a sealer despite possession in their attacking 50 late in the term. 

The devastating loss brings Port Adelaide's 2017 season to a close, having made finals campaigns in the AFL (elimination final), SANFL League (today) and reserves (semi final). 

SCOREBOARD

PORT ADELAIDE              2.3       3.4       3.7       7.7 (49)
STURT                              4.1       5.4       6.6       7.8 (50)

portadelaidefc.com.au’s best
Ah Chee, Toumpas, Lienert, Atley, Snelling

Goals
Neade, T. Gray, Ah Chee 2, Lobbe

Crowd
39,813 at Adelaide Oval