A RUNAWAY third term from flag favourites Woodville-West Torrens has dashed Port Adelaide’s hopes to keep in touch with the competition leaders.
After a bye and a tough loss to Sturt the week before that, the Magpies came out in Saturday morning’s clash with the Eagles with a point to prove and acquitted that early in a competitive first half that saw the scoreboard change leaders multiple times.
The Magpies’ pressure was good in the first quarter, with intercept marks in their defensive end working well, and minimising the struggle to match the Eagles ball use.
Two goals from Howard and one from Atley in the second quarter helped the Magpies create a 10-point buffer heading into the second half.
Joe Atley starred with 11 tackles in the first half, while Jimmy Toumpas worked hard to push the ball into attack with his 19 disposals.
But the Eagles started the third quarter emphatically with the first four goals of the term after holding most of the ball from the centre square.
The Magpies struggled to defend the Eagles’ hammering attack and were cut off by their midfield as they tied to push the ball down the wing. Brett Eddy scored the only goal for the quarter.
Each time the Magpies tried the push the ball forward, the Eagles were able to respond through their handballing and attacking pressure keeping the ball in their forward half.
The fourth quarter started and finished much the same as the third, as the Eagles maintained control of the ball to finish comfortable winners.
The loss means Port Adelaide stays locked on points with Sturt and Adelaide in second position on the ladder.
Port Adelaide hosts Adelaide’s SANFL team at Alberton Oval next Saturday 8 July at 2.40pm.
Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 2.2 5.5 6.7 8.10 (58)
Woodville West Torrens 2.3 3.7 10.11 12.13 (85)
Goals
Howard, Eddy 2, Krakouer, Atley, Monfries
Best
Atley, Hewett, Lienert
Injuries
Nil
At Woodville Oval
