SUMMARY
The Magpies secured their fourth win of the season and kept their slim finals hopes alive with a 39-point win over Central District. This week Port heads to Richmond Oval to take on reigning premiers West Adelaide, who are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with two wins.
WHERE AND WHEN: Richmond Oval, Saturday 9 July. First Bounce: 2:10pm.
TICKETS: Tickets available at gate: Adult $14, Concession $8, Children U18 Free.
TV AND RADIO: Channel 7, 2.00pm.
LAST FIVE TIMES:
2016, Round 7: Port Adelaide 14.16 (100) def West Adelaide 10.13 (73) at Alberton Oval.
2015, Qualifying Final: West Adelaide 10.10 (70) def Port Adelaide 6.5 (41) at Adelaide Oval.
2015, Round 19: Port Adelaide 17.6 (108) def West Adelaide 10.11 (71) at Alberton Oval.
2015, Round 10: Port Adelaide 13.9 (87) def West Adelaide 5.7 (37) at Richmond Oval.
2014, Round 11: West Adelaide 15.8 (98) def Port Adelaide 12.9 (81) at Richmond Oval.
THE SIX POINTS
1. Chad Cornes highlighted his side's tackling intensity as the crucial factor behind the win; the Magpies buoyed by the AFL side's performance and winning the tackle count 53-40.
2. John Butcher was on fire last week against Centrals - kicking 6.2. Sam Gray dominated the midfield with 11 clearances, while Jimmy Toumpas amassed 39 disposals.
3. Last weekend West Adelaide fell to second-placed Eagles by 76 points, falling behind early and never recovering. One positive out of their match was the Bloods accurate kicking, scoring 8.2 from their 10 opportunities.
4. Coming out of the game, the Bloods were hit with injuries, with Tyson Slattery and Adam Hartlett facing fitness tests while Aaron Fielke faces three weeks on the sideline.
5. On the other hand, with both the AFL and Magpies sides getting through last weekend unscathed, there are no additions to the club's injury list. In even better news, Matthew Lobbe, Matt White and Will Snelling will return next week, potentially all via the SANFL.
6. The Magpies last played West Adelaide in Round 7 this year, where wet conditions made it a tight contest. Port Adelaide maintained a narrow lead for most of the game but were only able to kick away to a 27 point win late in the final quarter.
FINAL WORD
With the season drawing to a close every game is crucial. The intensity against Central was good, but means little if it cannot be repeated this weekend.
