A STUNNING seven-goal opening term from a lively Essendon has put the Port on the back foot in its push to solidify a top-four position.
The eventual 70-point loss was undoubtedly Port's worst performance for the 2017 season.
While Justin Westhoff could lay claim to having played a solid four-quarter game, it was ultimately the team-wide lack of polish, inability to win contests and contain Essendon's free movement cost the Power a golden opportunity.
18 of Essendon's goals were scored from turnovers.
Seven of those came in the first quarter as the Cale Hooker led Bombers proceeded to kill Port's hopes early.
Hooker finished the game with five majors - all in the first half - supported by Joe Daniher and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti who each booted four.
Westhoff was Port's beacon after being thrown down back early. He finished with 32 touches (15 contested), six rebounds and five tackles; Robbie Gray had three goals in the first half.
It's an unwelcome result for the Power at the halfway point of the season - at six wins and five losses, they stand equal with the Bulldogs, Eagles and now, the Bombers inside the top eight.
Freo is outside of the eight on percentage with six wins, while Melbourne or Collingwood could push into the eight with a win on Monday.
Port Adelaide returns to SA on Sunday to prepare for its Round 13 clash with Brisbane at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday 17 June at 4.05pm.
The Magpies host West Adelaide at Alberton Oval tomorrow (Sunday 11 June) at 2.10pm.
SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE 1.3 4.5 7.7 8.13 (61)
ESSENDON 7.6 12.9 14.13 19.17 (131)
Best
Westhoff, Wines, Ebert
Goals
R. Gray 3, Trengove, S. Gray, Powell-Pepper, Ah Chee, Westhoff
Injuries
nil
at Etihad Stadium
