THAT inside-50 count again reared its head against the Eagles, and four inconsistent quarters have stalled the Power after three consecutive wins. Here's what we learned...
1. Indifferent form, indifferent ledger...
Joy for some, pain for others. Jasper Pittard and Brendon Ah Chee show their disappointment on Sunday night. [Pic: AFL Media]
The ladder doesn't lie, nor does the ledger. Port Adelaide has plenty of work to do and sitting squarely at 3-3 after six games is about as fair an indicator of the Power's form you can get. A patchwork year of hot and cold quarters has seen the Power falter twice at home, and once on the road to the competition leaders Fremantle. Wins against North, Hawthorn and the Crows, however, show the Power are capable of winning against tough opponents. What does it mean? ...
Evolving defence seeks to improve
2. ...Ken was right
Defenders like Jack Hombsch were again forced to rebound big time during the third quarter on Sunday [Pic: AFL Media]
Ken Hinkley didn't mince his words after the game, telling his players to "stand up, man up and own up" to their performance against West Coast. Few watching on Sunday night would disagree. After a strong second quarter, the Power allowed the Eagles to pump the ball into their forward line 11 more times than the Power. Hinkley said that was where the game was won, and after last week saying the Power wouldn't "survive" such differences in the inside-50s, he may have just been proved right.
3. Injuries can mean little...
West Coast's defence was solid all night, despite injuries. Then Jay Schulz had to battle both defender and buttock after copping a corkie to his posterior. [Pic: AFL Media]
Some would argue the Power had a better 'paper side' on Sunday night. After all, the Eagles have an injury-depleted back line. But the Eagles have been in good form, and Sunday's win put them into second place on the ladder. It shows injuries can be negated by team unity and care, and the West Coast defence was superb against the Power.
4. Nath is having a Krak...
Nathan Krakouer is playing like a man with something to prove. [Pic: AFL Media]
Loathe to individualise, but many would have been pleased to see Nathan Krakouer's transition into the Power 22 has continued in an upwardly direction. Since returning against North Melbourne, 'the Krak' has looked more and more comfortable down back with the Power, and was consistent and effective throughout the night on Sunday. His class at key contests and bullet-like kicks are a real asset to that improving Port defence and, for now, he looks to have secured that spot.
