Port Adelaide was once again impressive around the stoppages against Essendon, winning the key category of clearances 41-33.

Led in the area by livewire David Rodan with seven and ably supported by Dom Cassisi and Matthew Broadbent - both with six - the Power proved dominance in hitouts (53-25 in Essendon’s favour) doesn’t necessarily lead to clearances.

The Power were also around the mark in contested possessions (134-138) but perhaps the two stats categories that proved the difference were inside 50s and tackles.

Essendon’s ferocity at the man was evident with a tackle count of 80 to Port Adelaide’s 48 while the Bombers went inside 50 18 more times than the visitors, resulting in 10 extra scoring shots.

[ Related: Match Highlights ]

The Power’s defence was resolute, keeping the underdogs in the game until deep in the fourth quarter. Jackson Trengove led the way with 10 1%ers, while Troy Chaplin had six, and Jacob Surjan and Alipate Carlile had five.

Danyle Pearce was well held in Round 1 but bounced back in Round 2 with seven rebound 50s and three running bounces to go with his 21 possessions.

At the other end of the ground Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff were making the most of their opportunities, booting four and three goals respectively to make up for the absence of John Butcher, who missed with a hamstring injury.

Travis Boak was an important link man in the Power midfield, sending the ball inside 50 a game high eight times. However, Boak was quiet around the stoppages with just one clearance and his ball use was below his usual high standard.

Matt Thomas was once again tough around the packs with seven tackles but was unable to be an attacking weapon, managing just nine touches.

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Full player stats

Kane Cornes (27 disposals) - 18 kicks, 9 handballs, 9 marks, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s
Dom Cassisi (21) - 12 kicks, 9 handballs, 6 clearances, 8 contested possessions, 4 inside 50s, 5 tackles
Danyle Pearce (21) - 12 kicks, 9 handballs, 7 rebound 50s, 3 tackles, 3 bounces
Matthew Broadbent (20) - 14 kicks, 6 handballs, 10 contested possessions, 80% efficiency, 6 clerances, 5 rebound 50s, 3 tackles
John McCarthy (20) - 10 kicks, 10 handballs, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 3 tackles, 1 goal
Travis Boak (19) - 16 kicks, 3 handballs, 8 inside 50s
Brad Ebert (19) - 10 kicks, 9 handballs, 84% efficiency, 6 marks, 3 clearances, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal
David Rodan (19) - 9 kicks, 10 handballs, 8 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s
Hamish Hartlett (17) - 9 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 marks, 3 tackles
Paul Stewart (17) - 8 kicks, 9 handballs, 5 marks, 2 clearances, 1 goal
Jacob Surjan (17) - 5 kicks, 12 handballs, 10 contested possessions, 82% efficiency, 3 tackles, 5 1%ers
Jackson Trengove (15) - 9 kicks, 6 handballs, 7 contested possessions, 3 rebound 50s, 5 tackles, 10 1%ers
Justin Westhoff (15) - 11 kicks, 4 handballs, 8 marks, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals
Ben Jacobs (14) - 8 kicks, 6 handballs, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s, 3 bounces
Jay Schulz (14) - 11 kicks, 3 handballs, 9 contested possessions, 7 marks, 4 goals
Jarrad Redden (11) - 3 kicks, 8 handballs, 18 hitouts, 4 clearances, 1 goal
Troy Chaplin (10) - 6 kicks, 4 handballs, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s, 3 tackles, 6 1%ers
Matt Thomas (9) - 2 kicks, 7 handballs, 7 contested possessions, 7 tackles,1 goal
Daniel Stewart (7) - 4 kicks, 3 handballs, 6 contested possessions, 6 hitouts
Alipate Carlile (6) - 2 kicks, 4 handballs, 100% efficiency, 5 1%ers
Cam O’Shea (6) - 2 kicks, 4 handballs, 38% time on ground
Chad Wingard (6) - 4 kicks, 2 handballs, 1 goal, 39% time on ground