PORT ADELAIDE got its SANFL season off to a winning start last Friday night with a 31-point victory over West Adelaide and will be looking to make it two-from-two this Saturday afternoon against South Adelaide.
Returning to Alberton Oval for the first time this year the Magpies will be facing a Panthers side who also tasted success in Round 1.
South punished Central District in its opening round clash, winning by a comfortable 59 points and look a threatening force early in the season.
Port took until midway through the final term to sink a pushing Bloods side, while the Panthers’ game went in a similar fashion.
After a scrappy game the Magpies produced six last quarter goals and played the free-flowing football that coach Matthew Lokan had been encouraging throughout the preseason.
“We didn’t change anything at three quarter time, we were pretty sound all game but we were able to hit the scoreboard in the last quarter,” Lokan said.
“We were more efficient with the footy in the last quarter and if we can do that four quarters we probably have a bigger win.”
South went two better, kicking eight goals in the final term to blast Centrals off the park.
Dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross produced another stellar performance for the Panthers last weekend with 35 disposals, 11 clearances and three goals and along with Nick Liddle and Abe Davis will be a key player to nullify.
In Magpies colours it was Jack Trengove (44 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal) and Sam Gray (34 disposals and four goals) who turned the match in Port’s favour against the Bloods, while the young brigade played with real flair.
Joe Atley had 28 disposals, Kai Pudney, 24, Sam Mayes, 29, Martin Frederick across half back and Aidyn Johnson’s pace through the midfield provided a base platform for the Magpies stars to fire.
With both sides only briefly showing their high scoring capabilities in the final stages of the match, the Magpies v Panthers Round 2 clash is set to be a fascinating fixture.
Port and South met during a preseason trial match, which ended favourably for the Magpies who ran out 40-point winners.
Don’t miss the first bounce between Port Adelaide and South Adelaide this Saturday afternoon (2.10pm) at the Alberton Oval.
SANFL preview: Magpies v Panthers
A look at our upcoming SANFL clash with South Adelaide