White pays back Power with career-best effort
Ex-Tiger Matt White says Port Adelaide gave him a career lifeline
The former Richmond speedster was one of Port Adelaide's best against the Lions, booting three goals to go with his 26 possessions, nine marks and seven tackles.
In a career-best performance, he played a crucial part in setting up and executing the Power's huge 113-point win.
White decided to test the free agency market late last year after deciding his future no longer rested at Punt Road.
It was a tough decision – he loved the Tigers – but Power coach Ken Hinkley offered the 26-year-old greater opportunity and White made the move.
His celebration after kicking a goal against Adelaide was clear proof of how well White has settled into his new environment - clutching the Power's logo on his jumper and slamming it into his heart as if he'd been born and bred Port Adelaide.
Speaking to AFL.com.au as he stretched in the middle of Adelaide Oval after Saturday's win, White said his performance was a way to thank the club for making him a part of it.
"As soon as I got here the boys welcomed me with open arms and for me, Kenny gave me a bit of a lifeline," he said.
"As much as I loved Richmond and it'd be nice to still be there playing with the boys and helping out the team, I didn't see myself playing a lot of footy there.
"So to come here and be given the opportunity, it's just paying a bit of respect back to the club.
"To kick 3.2 is definitely my best in an AFL game so far: to start on the field, kick a few, play well – it's a great feeling.
"I don't know if I'll do it again this year but thank you to the Port Adelaide people for embracing me into the club."
White kicked three of Port's 24 goals against the Lions, with Jay Schulz (seven), Sam Gray (three), Justin Westhoff (three) and Robbie Gray (two) contributing multiple majors as well.
It was an astonishing performance by the Power's forward line considering two of their most influential players in Chad Wingard and Angus Monfries were sidelined through injury.
White said he would do his best to ensure Wingard and Monfries would need to fight to rejoin the side.
"Schulzy's kicked seven, got himself a bag, we've got 'The Hoff' (Westhoff) down there who's able to play at both ends, Robbie Gray's a freak and then Chaddy and Gus in there when they're fit - Chaddy's All Australian and Gussy's not too far behind him to be honest," he said.
"It's a very potent forward line, I was glad I could kick a couple and try and keep one of them out, but I highly doubt that."
Twitter: @AFL_Harry