AHEAD of their meeting in Round 23 of the 2018 AFL Premiership
When the sides met in Round 7, 2010, the Power had surprised many in the competition by winning four of its first six games, but there were still some doubts over its ability to close out tight matches.
Port had
The Power started best with their tackling intensity a key highlight, setting up a nine-point lead at the first change thanks to some accurate kicking.
A physical second term saw the Bombers lift their work rate and Power skipper Warren Tredrea limp from the field with a serious ankle injury.
A one-point deficit at half-time grew to 21 in the third term with the Power unable to match Essendon’s fast run and carry.
But something clicked for Port and they piled on four consecutive majors to take the lead in a see-sawing contest.
Ruckman Dean Brogan showed incredible courage to return to the field with a knee injury and outpointed a young Paddy Ryder and David Hille.
Trailing by two goals early in the last quarter, goals to Robbie Gray, Daniel Motlop, and Justin Westhoff gave Port a seven-point lead with just minutes remaining.
Essendon forward Angus Monfries set up a nail-biting climax with an important goal soon after but the Power held on to record a memorable victory in Danyle Pearce’s 100th game.
David Rodan continued his remarkable form after having a knee reconstruction, displaying his trademark slipperiness and finishing with 19 disposals and five telling goal assists.
Brett Ebert, Justin Westhoff, and Daniel Motlop all booted three goals while Pearce (29 touches) and Gray both managed two.
PORT ADELAIDE 4.0 7.2 13.2 17.7 (109)
ESSENDON 3.1 7.3 14.8 16.10 (106)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Ebert, Westhoff, Motlop 3, Pearce, Gray 2, Boak, C. Cornes, Trengove, Davenport
Essendon: Gumbleton, Monfries, Davey 3, Lovett-Murray, Zaharakis, Stanton, Melksham, McVeigh, Ryder, Lonergan
BEST
Port Adelaide: Rodan, Pearce, K Cornes, Westhoff, C Cornes, Boak
Umpires: Stevich, Hay, Wenn
Official crowd: 29,248 at Docklands
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