1. September still in Port’s sights
Port Adelaide's emotional win following the tragic death of former assistant coach Phil Walsh has reinvigorated the club’s finals hopes. The Power showed fight on what was a tough winter's night and held off a final quarter onslaught from Collingwood, who won the inside-50s 18-8 in the final term. It was an unknown how the Power would respond to Walsh's passing but they lived up to one of his famous phrases and "got the job done". Jack Hombsch was brilliant on Travis Cloke and the Power's midfield and defence stood up when it mattered most. Touted a serious contender in the pre-season, Port faces Adelaide in what will be an emotional showdown next week and Essendon in Melbourne in Round 17. Three wins in a row would get the ledger back to square at 8-8 and knocking on the door of the top-eight.
2. Bursting from the blocks
For the first time since round four when it produced an eight-goal first quarter against reigning premier Hawthorn, Port got off to a flier against Collingwood. The Power played attacking and entertaining footy led by Ollie Wines' sensational clearance work and Justin Westhoff's run. The big man had 13 possessions on his way to his best game of the season while Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard were dangerous up forward. The Power dominated the play to kick five goals to one. Inevitably the Pies would fight back in the second quarter but were playing catch-up all game and in the end couldn't get past the Power. Port's ability to capitalise on momentum was a trademark last year and its showing signs that its mojo is coming back.
3. Dane fought the law, and the law wrong
Dane Swan had an unusual run-in with the law the night before his 250th game. Swan was picked up from his hotel by friend and former Swans defender Gerrard Bennett to grab a coffee and was almost immediately swarmed by police cars and officers. Considering his body ink and Bennett’s hoodie, police mistakenly thought the pair were bikies. The mistaken identity was quickly noted and laughed off and they were sent on the way.
4. Vale Phil Walsh
The moving tributes last round were a wonderful touch and the sentiment again hit the right note. It was the first game at Adelaide Oval since Phil Walsh's tragic death and Port Adelaide's too. Walsh played an instrumental role in two stints at the Power. First in their inaugural premiership in 2004 and then when he returned as Ken Hinkley's right hand man in 2014. The players and fans loved him as well and the use of INXS' Never Tear Us Apart in the final minute before the bounce set the scene perfectly. The blacked out Adelaide Oval for a slide show and tribute song was the spine-tingling finish. It will take a long time for South Australian football to recover but playing footy was the first step.
5. Pies fall short again
For the third week running it looked like Collingwood was primed to win the game but again came up short. The Pies earned enormous amounts of respect in their losses to Fremantle and Hawthorn with the way they played but respect doesn't get you the four points. Despite an inevitable punishment from the Match Review Panel for his clash with Justin Westhoff, Taylor Adams was a bull in the midfield with 37 possessions, seven clearances, six tackles and a goal. Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom were also gallant while Travis Varcoe handled the conditions well and was pivotal in Collingwood's comeback. The Magpies are clearly a top-eight side but these three consecutive losses could really hurt as they jostle for position going into September.
