AS it happened between the Power and Roos at Etihad Stadium.
First quarter
Port Adelaide scored the opening goal after a contentious rushed behind was paid against North to give Jay Schulz a shot directly in front and then made the Roos pay twice by immediately converting the next after Chad Wingard marked strongly 20m from goal.
Michael Firrito was called for a deliberate rushed behind in the opening minute. #AFLNorthPower https://t.co/wXemQJzFfS
— AFL (@AFL) July 16, 2016
Port’s insane pressure around the ball was pivotal in setting up its mammoth opening term, as was its incredible superiority at centre bounces.
The Power’s midfield won every centre clearance and dominated ground stoppages, moving the ball with freedom and causing the Kangaroos to give chase.
Considering Port had control of the football, the fact it led the tackle count convincingly at quarter time told a story of genuine dominance, which ensured the Roos went into the first change goal less.
Justin Westhoff led the way for Port with two goals, and a hyper-efficient 13 disposals, providing ample supply inside 50. Jay Schulz also converted two goals, with singles to Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard – both of who could have joined the Power’s two leading forwards with multiple shots on goal.
Second quarter
Lindsay Thomas got North Melbourne's first goal of the game and could have had a second just minutes later after a high tackle from Hamish Hartlett. But Thomas pushed it wide and the Power made them pay, with Aaron Young converting from a free kick.
Two of the AFL's smallest players - Brent Harvey and Jake Neade then traded goals.
Jake Neade sneaks one home! #ohwhatafeeling #AFLNorthPower https://t.co/UHPQgNbwaC
— AFL (@AFL) July 16, 2016
The Power looked sharp going forward, with run and carry from defence creating plenty of space inside 50.
The Roos started to get on top in the latter half of the quarter, but didn't put their opportunities on the board. Down the other end, Sam Gray and Chad Wingard popped up for goals for the Power.
What a first half from the @PAFC boys - this is the footy we like to see them play! #AFLNorthPower
— Georgia Macri (@macri_18) July 16, 2016
Third quarter
The second half started like the first half transpired - the Roos missed at one end and the Power capitalised at the other, with Justin Westhoff strolling into an open goal to kick his third.
Justin Westhoff gets a gift as the Power surge forward. #AFLNorthPower https://t.co/Xyi2ZMeR8S
— AFL (@AFL) July 16, 2016
Half way through the term, the Roos had 7 inside 50s to 4, but had kicked 0.5 to the Power's 2.0.
Ben Brown sparked the Roos with two consecutive goals before Travis Boak steadied for the Power with a brilliant captiain's goal - snapping under serious pressure.
When Youngy times his tackle to perfection. #aflnorthpower pic.twitter.com/BmBqFoM1V5
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) July 16, 2016
Fourth quarter
North Melbourne veteran Brent Harvey kickstarted the Roos in the final quarter, snapping a goal inside the first minute.
Chad Wingard missed from 40m from a spot he'd normal convert, but an error from the kick-out allowed Robbie Gray to snap his second.
Great to see @Jschulz28 back among the goals. He's got 3#AFLNorthPower pic.twitter.com/WjXDMzuXE3
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) July 16, 2016
Charlie Dixon had his ankle landed on by Robbie Tarrant and was forced from the ground early in the final quarter.
The Power withstood everything the Roos threw at them and when Aaron Young converted from a free kick 18 minutes into the final quarter, the visitors' lead blew out to 39 points and they were home.
The win keeps the Power within touch of the Top 8, two games behind the team they defeated in Round 17, North Melbourne.
Full time stats at Etihad Stadium #AFLNorthPower pic.twitter.com/Q4VLbUIeNO
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) July 16, 2016
SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide 6.3 10.5 13.5 16.9 (105)
North Melbourne 0.5 3.8 5.17 10.17 (77)
Best: R Gray, Boak, Trengove, Young, Wingard, Wines, Westhoff
Goals: Westhoff, Schulz 3, Wingard, R Gray, Young 2, Neade, Ah Chee, S Gray, Boak
Disposals: R Gray 35, Boak 32, Wines 23, Trengove 22, Young, Hartlett 21, Wingard, Westhoff, Pittard 20
Injuries: Charlie Dixon (ankle)
Reports: TBC
Crowd: TBC - approx 27,000