PORT ADELAIDE has posted its lowest score for 2016 after Sydney stormed to the lead in the opening quarter and controlled the game to the finish.

As it happened 

FIRST QUARTER

Saturday’s clash was marked by Port Adelaide’s worst-ever first quarter in the AFL, with the Power remaining scoreless in the first term.

The Swans drew first blood through Buddy Franklin with a snap under pressure, followed by a Towers goal, leaving the home side with two under their belt within five minutes.

Sydney was too skilful and quick for the sluggish Power, with repeat entries and slick ball movement from centre bounce straight into goal.



The numbers said it all – at the 22 minute mark the Power had three inside-50s to Sydney’s 19, and Jasper Pittard in full back led the disposal count.

Back-to-back majors to Mitchell and Rohan had the Swans lead stretched even further, and by the first siren the Swans led 41-to-0.



SECOND QUARTER

Even with milestone man Justin Westhoff moving into defence in the second quarter to add some experience to the Power’s backline, the Swans had another two on the scoreboard within seven minutes, totalling nine unanswered goals.

Clumsy skills, missed targets and loose defence had the Power chasing a growing deficit.

It wasn’t until the 11th minute of the second term that the Power managed to break their scoring drought when Jasper Pittard sent a piercing kick inside 50 to Chad Wingard. He dished to Robbie Gray who hit the scoreboard for the first time.

The Power managed to create some opportunities but weren’t able to capitalise, with Aaron Young and John Butcher each scoring minors.

The Swans’ goal fest continued, headed by this soaring play from Dayne Rampe.

Port’s second goal of the day would come from John Butcher, who was able to slot a quick one through from a clever Ah Chee tap inside the goal square.



The home side led by 49 points at the major break.

THIRD QUARTER

The Swans started the second half with a bang, bagging another three goals through Kennedy, Heeney and Rohan within five minutes.



Port’s struggling backline were consistently outworked, and Sydney continued to capitalise on their recurring opportunities with accuracy.

Jarman Impey was the only goal scorer for the Power, from a set shot 45m out in the ninth minute.

But the Swans responded, continuing to find avenues to goal with a skilful midfield outfit setting up Hannebery and Richards to score.

At three-quarter time the Swans dominated almost every key statistic in the game, including clearances (36-24), inside 50s (61-23) and contested possessions (151-103) while the Power were left chasing a 74-point margin.



FOURTH QUARTER

Despite outscoring the home side in the final term, Port Adelaide’s game continued to look slow and undisciplined.

The quarter remained goalless until the 14th minute of the fourth term, when half back flanker Nathan Krakouer found himself with a free kick 45m out from goal, slotting the Power’s fourth and final goal of the game.


Sydney took the four points with an easy, well-deserved 67-point victory. 

 



SCOREBOARD

PORT ADELAIDE    0.0    2.3    3.6      4.9 (33)
SYDNEY SWANS             6.5    9.10  14.14  14.16 (100)

Goals
R. Gray, Butcher, Impey, Krakouer

portadelaidefc.com.au's best
Pittard, Wines

Injuries
Nil

Crowd
30,204 at the SCG