After the Power's seven-point loss to Fremantle, here's what we took away from the game...
1. Opportunity cost
Three minutes left on the clock, seven points down, ball at full back. What would you do? In Jasper Pittard's case, there's only one option: take the game on. Unfortunately for Jasper, Zac Clarke's long arms were just enough to ping him for holding the ball, and Hayden Ballantyne mopped up to put Freo 13 points ahead. Weighing up opportunity cost is tough in the heated cauldron of a football match, but we saw throughout the night that the Power's intent to move forward - even amidst great risk - will always trump conservatism.
The Clarke tackle masked an otherwise decent night from Pittard down back [pic: AFL Photos]
2. Keeping a good captain down is hard work...
A story of two captains: both Matthew Pavlich and Travis Boak were given plenty of attention on Sunday and both showed why they're among the best leaders in the competition. Pavlich's four goals were crucial for the Dockers, and Boak toiled all night long to hit his stride when the game was on the line. With the Dockers giving Boak plenty of attention with the absence of his usual antagoniser Ryan Crowley, the Power skipper lifted late to lead Port's charge to the final siren. His final goal was undoubtedly the best of the night and he finished with 25 disposals and five tackles.
The best captains stand up when it matters. [Pic: AFL Media]
3. A new Hawthorn/Geelong?
Everyone will be talking about that classic Hawks-Cats rivalry when the two Victorian clubs go head-to-head on Easter Monday, but we ask the question: is the Power-Freo rivalry building into something just as good?
Sure, the margins of the last four encounters between these two sides haven't been like the wafer thin, goal-for-goal scorelines of the Hawks and Cats, but gee they've been thrillers.
Aside from last night's, the Power's come-from-behind semi win in 2014 was one of the best matches for the season; just weeks before, the Dockers blew the margin out for the Power to boot five last quarter goals to close within eight points at the final siren.
And at the Adelaide Oval just months earlier, the Power pulled off another gritty three-goal victory.
Yep, we reckon this rivalry is building into something special and is arguably the best rivalry between two non-Vic clubs right now. Maybe they should bring back the Docklands Trophy?
These games are getting good, even if Port doesn't win them all. [Pic: AFL Media]
4. Speaking of rivalry...
The Jarman Impey/Hayden Ballantyne battle was again intriguing. Ballas kicked two goals, yes, but Impey was solid against him. Jars was uber-efficient with the ball - one of Port Adelaide's best for the night - and his tackle pressure and run out of defence was a positive sight for the second-year player. We're looking forward to the return bout at the end of the year.
Jarman Impey continues to grow as a small defender. [Pic: AFL Photos]
Your say...
Have we got a new rivalry on our hands?
