PORT Adelaide has failed to get its 2016 campaign under new coach Chad Cornes off to a winning start, succumbing to arch rival Norwood under lights on Thursday night by 25 points.

As expected, the contest was heated from the first bounce, with at least six all-in melees across the ground.

And the umpires were hot on the whistle too, with 72 free kicks paid on the night in a likely attempt to control the on-field tempers.

Uninspiring second and third quarters had Port Adelaide pegged down by 31 points, but the Magpies weren't out of the fight in the final term.

Cam O'Shea had a huge final quarter to finish with 21 disposals while Aaron Young, Steve Summerton and new recruit Jimmy Toumpas battled hard to create chances in the midfield.

Dougal Howard showed promise up forward, finishing with three goals.

Despite a gallant fight, Norwood's lead was secure enough to hold a comfortable four-goal buffer by the end of play. 

Game Review

FIRST QUARTER

The rivalry between Port and Norwood was as hot as ever from the first bounce. Punches were thrown, bodies slammed into the ground and a few jumpers ripped.

About 13 free kicks were given in the first quarter alone.

The Redlegs handled the pressure early on in the first quarter with goals to Persinos and Ferceira giving them a 15-point lead midway through.

The Magpies' skipper Steven Summerton lifted his side with a goal following a free kick awarded after high contact.

Two quick goals to Dougal Howard gave the black and white a three-point quarter time lead.

 

 

SECOND QUARTER

The Redlegs began the second term much like it did the first and it was not long before Johnston booted his second goal.

Both teams scrapped for the ball and the Redlegs continued to mount the physical pressure on the Magpies, but despite allowing Norwood an early three-point lead, Port looked a chance to run over the home side again after a goal to Jesse Palmer.

The promise shown was halted as quickly as it came, with Norwood turning the screws on the Magpies' ball-carriers to force them into critical skill errors in attack.

The home side's crowd was up and about and Norwood thrived - Palmer's goal was the Magpies' sole major for the term in contrast to Norwood's three before the main break.

THIRD QUARTER

Port Adelaide struggled with its forward press and the ball spent most of the quarter in Norwood's attacking half.

The Magpies, no matter how hard Summerton, Young, Sharrad and Toumpas tried, could not gain the upper hand. 

Norwood had runners all over the ground and enjoyed the space to freely and quickly move the ball forward.

Another one-goal quarter was produced, with Austin scoring Port's only success in attack.

Norwood stormed forward to kick another three unanswered goals and Johnston's fourth gave the home side a 24-point lead.

Paul Stewart bursts with possession on Thursday night. Pic: Chris Kelly/PAFC.com.au

FOURTH QUARTER

Port Adelaide came out firing and was keen to amend the poor effort of the previous two terms.

Cam O'Shea and Aaron Young played a vital role to the Magpies' resurgence and the ball movement was quicker and more accurate.

O'Shea, Butcher and Tom Gray chipped in with majors, placing a bit of scoreboard pressure on the Redlegs, as the home side's lead was cut from 31 points to 18.

But lapses in defense caused Johnston and Persinos to goal, pushing the lead out once again.

The Redlegs ran out eventual winners for the fourth time in a row.

Port Adelaide hosts St Kilda in AFL Opening Round on Easter Sunday, March 27 at 2:50pm (ACDT).

BUY TICKETS

Port Adelaide's next SANFL game is against the Adelaide Crows at Mannum on Sunday 3 March at 1.40pm.

SCOREBOARD

PORT ADELAIDE     5.0 6.0  7.1 12.3 (75)

NORWOOD            4.3 8.5 11.8 15.10 (100)

PORTADELAIDEFC.COM.AU'S BEST

Summerton, Young, Toumpas, Austin, Stewart

GOALS

Howard 3, Summerton 2, Biemans, Palmer, Sharrad, Austin, O'Shea, Butcher, T. Gray

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