Ken Hinkley’s midas touch continues. Gary Ablett dominated the first quarter with 15 possessions when Kane Cornes was shadowing him but only had two more in the second quarter when Domenic Cassisi moved onto him. Freed from these shackles, Cornes went on to dominate the space afforded to him by the Suns.
2. Running away with the game
Contested possessions were close throughout the match, but the Power demolished the Suns in uncontested possessions (269 to 207). Cornes amassed an incredible 33 uncontested possessions and Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett and Ollie Wines also profited as the Port midfield dominated the game from the second quarter onwards.
3. Second-quarter syndrome
The Suns have been atrocious after the first change in every game this season. Combined, in the first four weeks, they have been outscored 20.16 to 3.7. Last season it was the third quarter where Guy McKenna’s side was found wanting. This current trend will have the coach searching for hair to tear out.
4. Scoring power
Just as in the Showdown last week, Port spread goals around its forwardline, which looks much improved in 2013. Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingaard and Hartlett all kicked three before half-time, after which Jay Schulz kicked four - including one after he took a massive screamer over Sam Day.
5. No letdown
With three of their four wins coming against the Demons, Giants and Suns, the Power will not be getting too carried away with their stellar start. But importantly, a tendency to follow the Showdown with a letdown (including Gold Coast’s maiden victory in 2011), has been reversed.
