Port Adelaide has gone down by 16 points in a high-pressure game against Central District at My Money House Oval.  

The Magpies were keen to continue their winning momentum after last weekend’s 58-point win over Adelaide, but it was Central District who pounced early.

Centrals held control for most of the opening half after kicking three consecutive goals to open the game.

The Magpies lacked energy and Centrals took advantage, their pressure down the wing ensured they held control, and when they failed to win the bounce from the centre square, the Bulldogs applied pressure on the Port to force turnovers.

Two consecutive goals came from Brett Eddy and Aidyn Johnson in the first quarter and in the second quarter two goals from Angus Monfries and Aaron Young helped to close the gap and at half time.

Jack Hombsch and Jimmy Toumpas were a strong presence in defence and worked hard to stem the flow of Centrals goals.

Karl Amon was put through his paces on the wing forced to defend for most of the game. He finished on 23 disposals.   

Centrals completely took over in the third quarter and dominated possession to score the first three goals after half time.

With greater control maneuvering around the contest to keep the Magpies scoreless for the quarter, the Bulldogs’ pressure made it impossible for Port to break through into their forward 50.  

The Magpies found some of their old form in the final term, with Nathan Krakouer getting their first, followed by  Eddy, Marshall and Neade.

But despite four fast goals, it wasn’t enough to reel in Central’s sizeable lead.  

The loss leaves Port Adelaide at second on the ladder by percentage making next weekend’s game against Glenelg vital to holding their position.

Port Adelaide hosts Glenelg at Alberton Oval on Sunday 23 July at 2.10 pm.

Scoreboard

Port Adelaide     3.1        5.1        5.1        10.3 (63)

Central District  5.4        5.10      9.10      11.13 (79)

Goals
Eddy 3, Howard, Johnson, A. Young, Monfries, Palmer, Neade, Krakouer, Marshall.

Best
Toumpas, Hombsch, Amon, Lobbe.

Injuries
Nil

At My Money House Oval (Elizabeth)

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