A STRONG win over West has Port Adelaide in strong form heading into Sunday’s all-important clash with Norwood at Alberton Oval.
Beating their traditional rival on Sunday would cement the Magpies in the SANFL’s top three and secure a double chance for September’s finals campaign – their first under coach Chad Cornes.
Port’s line-up will be strong, with the return of Jack Hombsch from injury, Jarman Impey and Brendon Ah Chee, while senior players Jackson Trengove and Aaron Young are stapled in the side for another week.
Magpies welcome pace, lose height
But Norwood will be keen to avenge their loss to the Maggies earlier in the year.
That was Port’s first win at the Parade in a decade.
The loss of Billy Frampton (surgery) and Todd Marshall (to the AFL) will be welcome news for the visitors as well.
There’s plenty on the line for the Redlegs too, a win on Sunday would keep them in the hunt for the double chance.
“Norwood at Alberton is a huge game so I’m really excited about that, I’m excited to get a big crowd to our last home game of the year, hopefully everyone comes out in full force,” Cornes told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I’m just looking for the boys to play the finals-type footy we talked about during the week, we spoke about what actions will win you finals games that was the focus today to play that way and it will be the focus next week.”
For Cornes, last Saturday’s 92-point thumping of the Bloods at Richmond is important.
“I was really happy with that game [against the Bloods], it was a bit of a danger game considering West’s improved form since last time we played, there was a danger the boys would be complacent because of what happened last time, but there was none of that at all,” Cornes said.
“I love nothing more than to bury a team in the last quarter and not resting on what we did in the previous three.”
The performance of several AFL players against the Bloods and the hot form of Nathan Krakouer up forward excited Cornes.
But he’s still hungry for defensive improvement ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Redlegs.
“A real credit to the boys who were dropped from the Power (AFL), the attitude they had during the week and the way they came out and played I though was outstanding,” Cornes said.
“And I think it’s the best Krakouer has played all year he played with real energy and had a defensive side to his game.”
“But one thing we can improve is our whole ground defence, we kicked five points in the third quarter so the Bloods had five kick-ins and every one of them went inside 50 - they went through us way too easy.”
Port Adelaide takes on Norwood at Alberton Oval on Sunday 20 August at 2.10pm.
As part of Magpies Member Recognition Round, entry to the game will be free for all Port Adelaide (AFL) game access members when they scan their Power member card at the gate.
Norwood home match members can also access the game for free with their member card.
Regular admission prices start from $8 for concession card holders, $14 general admission with children under 18 admitted free.
