PORT Adelaide has let a golden opportunity to cement third spot on the SANFL ladder slip after falling short to the Adelaide Crows by 20 points at Alberton Oval on Sunday.
The Magpies fought their way back from almost six goals down to get within eight points at the final change, but three unanswered goals to the visitors early in the fourth quarter handed Adelaide its first SANFL win against Port since the two clubs first faced off in the state league last year.
In almost perfect conditions, it was the Crows who made the fast start and kicked the game’s first two goals.
It took a while for Port Adelaide to get going, but the Magpies eventually controlled the first quarter by keeping the ball tied in their forward half.
However, a mix of erratic skill errors and poor kicking in attack allowed Adelaide to capitalise on the rebound.
Chasing a small three-point margin at the first break, the Magpies' sloppy first quarter continued in the second as their cross-town rivals dominated the clearances and shut out key playmakers.
The Crows were given room through the corridor and their quick movement combined with precise passing was rewarded with four unanswered goals and a game-high lead of 28 points.
It took just over 18 minutes for the Magpies to kick a major in the second quarter and it came from the skipper – Summerton - who marked on a slight angle just inside 50.
John Butcher's snap around the body on the half time siren gave the Magpies a slither of hope and had them 20 points down at the main break.
The crowd was treated to a gusty, hard-fought and desperate comeback from the Magpies and Stewart, Logan, Sam Gray and Sharrad were the architects of the resurrection.
Port Adelaide slammed on three unanswered goals (two to Harvey and one to Summerton) in the third, off the back of hard-running and heightened defensive pressure.
The Magpies, similar to the first quarter, had much of the ball and many opportunities to punish the visitors, but lacked poise and polish to do so.
An eight-point deficit faced the Magpies at the final change, but three quick centreclearances to give the Crows as many goals in succession put any real chance of a come-from-behind win to bed.
Stewart (32 disposals), Gray (31) and Logan (27) fought hard all day and skipper Steve Summerton provided the goods up forward adding three goals to his name.
Adelaide's pressure was too hot for the Magpies to handle and the visitors were cleaner and more composed with the football.
A win would have put Port Adelaide a game clear of West Adelaide and one game behind second-placed Norwood.
Instead, the Magpies now sit in fourth spot, and travel to Prospect Oval for a must-win game against North Adelaide next Saturday.
LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE 2.4 4.7 8.8 10.9 (69)
ADELAIDE CROWS 3.1 8.3 10.4 13.11 (89)
PORTADELAIDEFC.COM.AU’S BEST
Logan, Clurey, Summerton, Stewart, S Gray
VOTE FOR YOUR BEST
GOALS
Summerton 3, Harvey 2, Young, Palmer, Butcher. Redden, Stewart
INJURIES
Nil
CROWD
4,846 at Alberton Oval
