Talking points: Power v Eagles
Talking points from the Power's win over the Eagles.
It's no mean feat coming up against the most prolific ruckman of the last 10 years and the emerging star regarded as one of the most dangerous talents in the competition, but Matthew Lobbe certainly gave it a fair crack. Taking on the mix of both Dean Cox and Nic Naitainui throughout the night, Lobbe's effort flew under most radars, but not that of the senior coach, who described his as probably the best full game performance on the night.
2. Grumpy old men play good footy
Kane Cornes has been his ever consistent self this year, but Dom Cassisi's last two performances have been particularly solid. The oldest player on Port Adelaide's list has been a workhorse around the ground and was good again on Saturday playing right around the ground. He had nine tackles, won the hard ball and three inside-50s. It's good to see the old boys still get around in this team and can still take it up to some of the best in the competition.
3. Tough love
Jackson Trengove and Chad Wingard have both been slated for assessment this week after copping plenty of knocks during the game. Remarkably Wingard, whose body copped hits all night, played out the game and booted a crucial late-game goal to help secure the result. There were plenty of cuts and grazes out of a brutal contest too, none more than Jay Schulz's split lip (Warning: Graphic Content for the squeamish). You've got to love these players for putting their whole body to it, although as Schulz said after the match, it may have put paid to his modelling career!
4. No shades of Gray
It's a pun-worthy surname, but there's no joking about Robbie Gray's continued, consistent form. He's probably been in the Power's best each week this year and will certainly stake a claim for the John Cahill Medal at the end of the year. Not only does he play the small forward role and kick goals but also mixes it as an inside ball winner. He's the sort of bloke you would have loved watching in a prisonbar jumper 20, even 30 years ago - he plays the Port Adelaide way.
5. Roadtrip from hell?
Everyone knows it's a tough trip to Perth. It's often hotter and drier there than Adelaide or Melbourne at this time of year, it's 1.5 hours behind, the oval is a weird, long and skinny shape, and its a town that hosts two strong teams. But Port Adelaide's win over the Eagles has actually pushed its win-loss ratio at Patersons Stadium into the black - the ledger now a 13-12 win-loss ratio. That's some handy form to have at the ground, especially when you've got a return trip on the last weekend of the season against the Dockers...