PORT ADELAIDE has fallen to Woodville West Torrens by 47 points at Hickinbotham Oval, in their first competitive hit-out of the pre-season in the traditional format.
It was a scrappy contest in the first quarter, with both teams struggling to use the football efficiently moving inside forward 50.
The Eagles edged their way in front in the first term, leading the contest by nine points at the first break.
The Magpies were able to transition the ball more freely in the second term, and as a result, they were able to build some scoreboard pressure.
Peter Ladhams kicked truly to put the Magpies in front, and with some line-breaking run from Will Snelling and skipper Steven Summerton, Port took a four-point advantage into half time.
Billy Frampton was lively in the first half, while Lindsay Thomas and Jack Trengove were impressive in their first outings in the black and white this year.
Port’s backline worked hard all night, with Jack Hombsch leading from the front in the defensive half. His performance summed up by a courageous mark running back with the flight.
Simon Wong, Sam Garner and Jarrod Lienert were also impressive, playing sweeping roles from the back flank.
The third quarter well and truly belonged to the Eagles, kicking six goals to one in a tough 20-minute period for Matthew Lokan’s men.
The Magpies were able to withhold the Eagles’ momentum in periods throughout the final term, but an unanswered three-goal quarter meant it was a tough eight-goal loss for Port.
The Magpies have one more pre-season clash against Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Friday, March 23 at 4.30pm, before the season opener against the Crows a week later.
SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide 1.4 6.6 7.8 7.10 (52)
WWT 3.1 6.2 12.6 15.9 (99)
Goals
Kluske 2, Allan, Ortiz, Thomas, Hayes, Ladhams
Best
Garner, Summerton, Snelling, Trengove, Strange, Kluske
