CHAD Cornes had something to celebrate with the Magpies 33-point win over Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday, with the win sending them straight into the SANFL Grand Final.
Cornes described the win as an exciting energy booster after Saturday’s nights shattering loss in the AFL.
That result meant Jackson Trengove, Aaron Young and Matthew Broadbent – all named in the Magpies’ line-up for the semi final – were omitted during to SANFL league rules.
“[Saturday] was a pretty devastating loss, the three changes we had to make after that took me a couple of hours to get my head around,” Cornes said.
“I’m assuming some of the boys were like that too, but there was absolutely no sign of anything other than they had been preparing to play this game as we planned.”
Port Adelaide got off to a flying start and led the Eagles by five goals to none at quarter time.
That set up the win for the Magpies, with Port holding strong against a second quarter response from the Eagles.
The Eagles gained ground in the second quarter by kicking three goals to the Magpies two, but Port maintained its defensive pressure and put the game back on their terms in the second half.
The response of late inclusions Emmanuel Irra, Cameron Hewett and Peter Ladhams was pivotal in the result.
Cornes particularly lauded Hewett and Irra’s efforts in defence.
“The first quarter was brilliant, obviously a great team the Eagles so to keep chipping away at them like we did, I’m just really proud of the boys,” Cornes said.
“Huge credit to the three boys who came in, especially Emanuel Irra and Cameron Hewett the games they played were probably the two best games they have played all year.
“For them to not know until 11pm last night and play the way they did is outstanding.”
Port Adelaide now looks towards its second grand final appearance in four season in a fortnight.
Cornes flagged potential selection changes for the game, but won’t make a decision until next week.
Port was down to a one-man bench after half time, with Matt White (ankle) and Nathan Krakouer (hamstring) hit by injury concerns. They will be assessed during the week.
Dougal Howard, Todd Marshall, Jake Neade and Riley Bonner all qualify for the game following the Power’s omission.
“It gives the group a lot of confidence if we play the way speak about - the Port Adelaide way - we will have some selection challenges in a couple of weeks’ time,” Cornes said.
“With the guys who are available now, there will be some unlucky guys [to miss out], but whoever takes the field in two weeks’ time if we play like we did today we will give ourselves a good chance.”
Port Adelaide will have next weekend off by for heading to the SANFL Grand Final where they will play either Woodville-West Torrens or Sturt on Sunday 24 September at 3.10pm at Adelaide Oval.
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