PORT Adelaide (SANFL) just missed out on a win in the first round of the 2011 SANFL season, falling to Norwood by three points.

The game was a nail-biter and the lead changed numerous times through the game, but the Magpies lost it in the dying seconds 7.10 (52) to 8.7 (55).

The home side were consistent in their style of play, adopting an aggressive style and causing the Redlegs to make crucial mistakes in their forward 50.

Play was clean for the majority of the game, but in the dying seconds both teams rushed to move the ball quickly and a few mistakes left victory just out of reach.

Despite the loss, the Magpies played a solid team game again this week, something they had been working on throughout preseason.

A few of the younger players also came out strong, led by experienced AFL recruits Brett Ebert and Jacob Surjan.

Moving the ball out of defence was no issue with the home side, with 43 inside 50’s for the game not reflecting on the scoreboard.

Coach Tony Bamford acknowledged the need for accurate kicking, and identified it as something the team will need to work on in the coming weeks.

“We’ve spoken about having a good efficiency at goal and we’re aiming at about 55-60 percent accuracy. But you won’t win many games, close games, if you don’t kick straight so we’re working on that,” he said.

But Bamford was pleased with his backline, especially the efforts of Matthew Lokan.

““I thought our backline held up really well, given the pressure and the amount of balls coming down,” he said.

John Butcher had a superb game for the Magpies as the leading goalscorer for the game with three goals, and 12 kicks from 15 disposals.

Mitch Banner was also a standout, leading possessions and tackles at three quarter time, and is improving well within the Magpies side.

Also impressive in the forward line was Josh Thurgood who worked well under pressure and kicked two goals for the game.

Bamford says that the key to improving now is to move on from this game and use it as a learning curve.

“Just gotta make sure we don’t get down on it, one wrong decision and it just cost us... the trick now is to learn from it and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Port Adelaide (SANFL) reserves played away at Norwood Oval on Sunday. The Under 16’s followed, then the Under 18’s at 4:30pm.

League
Magpies 2.4 3.7 6.9 7.10 (52)
Redlegs 1.2 4.2 7.5 8.7 (55)

Goals
Magpies: Butcher 3, Thurgood 2, Ebert, Harder

Best:
Magpies: Meiklejohn, Thurgood, Butcher

Reserves
Magpies 12.12 (84) d Redlegs 6.7 (43)

Under 18s
Magpies 10.12 (72) d Redlegs 8.8 (58)

Under 16s
Redlegs 17.10 (112) d Magpies 11.9 (75)