The Bulldogs have reigned over the Power since round 19, 2006, winning the previous seven matches between the two sides. But on Saturday they learnt first-hand just how far the Power have come over the last few years. Port started slowly but picked up the pace to run out easy victors. Importantly, the win keeps Port's four-point advantage at the top of the table intact for another week.
2. Schulz equals Power great
Jay Schulz strengthened his lead in the race for the Coleman Medal with yet another polished display of goal kicking. His eight goals against the Bulldogs saw him draw level with club legend Warren Tredrea for the most kicked by a Power player in a single game in the AFL era. Tredrea booted eight against Carlton in 1998 in a performance the four-time club champion described as his coming of age game. Schulz was simply brilliant on Saturday and his eight majors saw him reclaim the title of the League's most prolific scorer, taking him six goals clear of Richmond's Jack Riewoldt.
3. Griffen gone, others fall
Ryan Griffen was on fire last week against Collingwood, named his side's best with 27 possessions and two goals. The Bulldogs' skipper was also best the last time the Bulldogs played the Power in round 10 last year, collecting 40 disposals and kicking a goal. It was disastrous then for the visitors when Griffen was injured in the second quarter on Saturday, suffering back spasms. He appeared in immense pain and unable to walk on his own along the boundary line before being helped down into the rooms and being subbed out of the contest at half time. Along with injuries to Jarrad Grant and Jordan Roughead, it was a dog of a day for the boys from the west of Melbourne.
4. Super-sub Gia on report
Bulldogs veteran Daniel Giansiracusa's introduction to the game in the second half made him the most subbed-on player in AFL history, but his hit on Jared Polec in the fourth quarter could see Gia wearing a suit rather than a green vest for the time being. Giansiracusa collected Polec front on and late as the young Power midfielder was rebounding out of his defensive 50. Polec was knocked flat and Giansiracusa was immediately met by a fired-up Jackson Trengove who made it clear what he thought of the hit. 'Gia' was promptly reported and will now wait to discover his fate.
5. Coast to coast
Port Adelaide's Jasper Pittard was charged with the task of kicking the ball in after a Bulldogs' rushed behind in the opening quarter and his long, raking left-foot effort could not have been more accurately weighted. The club's fastest player, Matt White, was able to run back with the flight of the ball straight into the centre square and then launch another long ball into Port's attacking 50, finding Jay Schulz. Like White, Shulz was able to play on straight away and slam home the club's first goal of the day. An incredible passage of play that consisted of three kicks including the kick out and goal.
