PORT ADELAIDE toppled South by 32 points at Alberton Oval in a must-win game to solidify its top-three position heading into finals.

The Magpies opened up a five-goal lead by quarter time and was never headed, with Steven Summerton, Nathan Krakouer, Billy Frampton, Todd Marshall, Riley Bonner and Brett Eddy opening the home side’s account.

Using their acceleration through the midfield to their advantage, Port attacked the goals with aggression all day.

Will Snelling played well through the midfield and set up the play by brilliantly pushing the ball forward. He finished with 24 disposals for the game.

The Panthers gained some momentum in the second quarter and pushed to hold possession in their forward half, but the Magpies adapted quickly and defended their backline well to concede just two goals for the quarter.

Port advanced their margin after half time despite South’s defence holding firm to kick the last three goals of the quarter.

Port Adelaide held possession for most of the final quarter and found it easier to convert, however the Panthers held on and showed late bursts of brilliance to cut the margin back to 32 thanks to three late goals.

2016 draftee Todd Marshall was strong in the forward line for Port and finished the game with three goals.

Port Adelaide’s win pushes it back up the ladder to second at the end of the split round, following ladder rival Norwood’s win last week.

With three rounds to go, the club will travel next weekend to take on West Adelaide at Richmond on Saturday 12 August at 2.10pm.

 

Scoreboard

Port Adelaide     6.2       7.3        11.8      12.11    (83)

South Adelaide  1.0       3.3        4.3        7.9        (51)

Goals
Marshall 3, Eddy 2, Krakouer, Summerton, Frampton, Bonner, T. Gray, Neade, Houston

Best
Snelling, Ah Chee, Bonner, Neade, Marshall, Lobbe.

Injuries
Nil

At Alberton Oval

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