The Port Adelaide Academy team battled hard for three quarters but ultimately came up 34 points short against a strong running and determined Central Districts at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

In fine but overcast conditions, Centrals maintained a lead throughout the contest, although Port generally managed to keep within close enough contact to remain a threat up to the final change of ends.

In the first half, Central appeared to have better run around the ground, regularly stringing their possessions together in a chain as they moved the ball from defence into attack.

The Magpies started the second half strongly, dominating the first five minutes of play but ultimately achieving no scoreboard advantage for their hard work.

It was Central which kicked the first goal of the half against the flow of play.

The two teams continued to arm-wrestle through the quarter and regularly traded goals until Centrals managed to kick two in succession from the unguarded goal square late in the term.

Still, Port answered back with the last goal of the quarter to stay within reach, but it reflected a pattern that mirrored the scores at each change of ends, with the respective leads to Centrals being seven, 15 and 18 points – ever so gradually pulling away.

Central then pressed home the advantage in the fourth quarter, continuing to find space in the forward lines and moving the ball around the ground with greater skill and certainty.

Academy coach Jacob Surjan was disappointed with the result, but took some positives away.

“We started really well, and moved the ball really well," Surjan said.

“Their ball movement was really good as well and it highlighted that we need to improve defensively.

“We need to tidy up in a few areas, particularly defence, and listen to a few more instructions. But all in all we are improving every week.”

Surjan nominated Justin Mills as one of the better players for the Magpies.

“He’s played a few games now and today he provided a lot of run and a lot of links in play.”

He was pleased also with Sam Gordon, who kicked three goals, for the manner in which he played his role, and also Ciaran Hollingworth-Hughes.

SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE          3.1      5.2      9.5      11.5 (71)
CENTRAL DISTRICT     4.3      7.5      12.5    16.9 (105)

Best
Mills, Gordon, Hollingworth-Hughes

Goals
Gordon, Partington 3, Dixon, Prior 2, Clarke