PORT ADELAIDE has suffered a hard-fought 28-point loss to Norwood at Alberton Oval in Round 12 of the SANFL.

The Magpies started strongly and remained in touch at the final change before the Redlegs showed their class to secure a big win.

On a day when club great Russell Ebert and legendary boot studder Alfie Trebilcock were honoured for each giving 50 years of service to Port Adelaide, the Magpies were keen to celebrate with a win in front of a big home crowd, and end the Redlegs’ run of six wins in a row.

Aidyn Johnson was on hand to boot the first two goals of the contest, the first from a snap after an assist by Jake Neade and the second after marking deep inside 50.

The home side was wasteful in front of goal, missing a number of set shots with some not making the distance and others fading in a slight breeze.

The visitors responded with two goals of their own to reduce the margin to just two points at the first change.

The Redlegs held the momentum and continued to pressure the Magpies, booting another two goals to take the lead for the first time and extend it out to eleven points.

Neade was running rampant in the midfield, racking up possessions and tackles.

Jack Watts was getting a lot of touches on the wing but bobbed up with two goals – his second a long bomb after marking outside 50 - to keep the Magpies just five points behind at the main break.

The Redlegs burst out of the blocks in the third term with the first three goals to take a 23-point lead.

But the Magpies responded as Emmanuel Irra showed desperation off half back and Neade and Watts continued to impose themselves on the contest.

Goals to Kane Farrell and Jack Kluske had the home side within nine points at the last change as they went into the break with some momentum.

But Norwood ensured that momentum was halted as their stars stood up early.

Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg, who had been well held to that point, got his first within four minutes and it started a period of dominance for the visitors, which saw them boot five straight majors to take a game-high 40-point lead.

Goals to Kluske and Peter Ladhams cut the margin again but it was too little too late as the Magpies suffered their first loss in three weeks and the Redlegs secured their seventh win in a row.

SCOREBOARD

PORT ADELAIDE               2.4         4.7         6.10       8.12       (60)

NORWOOD                      2.2         5.6         8.7         13.10    (88)

Goals

Watts, Johnson, Kluske 2, Farrell, Ladhams

Best

Neade, Watts, Amon, Summerton, Irra, Toumpas

Crowd

2959 at Alberton Oval

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