Port Adelaide 6.12 (48) def by
Fremantle 11.9 (75)

Best: Boak, Cassisi, Lobbe, Moore, Brad Ebert, Pearce

Goals: Brett Ebert 2, D. Stewart, Boak, Westhoff, Cornes

Injuries: Broadbent (Cut Above Eye)

Leader board

Disposals leader: Kane Cornes (31)
Marks leader: Kane Cornes and Daniel Stewart (6)
Tackles leader: Matthew Lobbe and Tom Jonas (6)
Clearances leader: Domenic Cassisi (8)
Hitouts leader: Matthew Lobbe (22)
Scores leader: Brett Ebert (14 points)
Dreamteam leader: Kane Cornes (110 points)

Headlines

Power Fights It Out
Primus Preaches Patience
PTV EXCLUSIVE: Matthew Lobbe
Quarter By Quarter

Analysis

Turnovers have been the bane of Port Adelaide’s drive for success for much of the past month. Against Geelong and Adelaide - quality opposition likely to play finals - the Power’s turnovers were punished with goals more often than not. Against sides such as Essendon and now Fremantle, Port’s inability to execute its skills effectively resulted in turnovers being the primary source for opposition goals.

Both coach and captain acknowledged this in their respective press conferences, but it offers little solace for a supporter base thirsty for success. Ultimately, no game plan is effective without the skills required to execute it - but the solution seems more in the Power’s skill set being brought up to the standard required by the game plan, as opposed to diluting the style the coaching group wants to play to better suit the currently low rate of disposal efficiency.

The only positives to come out of the game were the continued improvements shown by the emerging midfield staples Andrew Moore and Matthew Lobbe. Moore has been a shining light for Port Adelaide in the last month as he builds his experience towards the 30-game mark. It has been both impressive and encouraging to see Moore work solidly through the midfield and demonstrate why he is highly regarded as a key part of Port’s future.

Lobbe’s improvement as the Power’s number 1 ruckman has been progressive but similarly positive. His ability to hold down sole ruck duties and contribute in the air as a ruckman and marker of the football has shown in the past three weeks and his steps back into the AFL since returning through injury have been sound.

Next Game

The Power flies to Sydney on Friday ahead of its clash against AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney and will look to notch up a sixth win for the year with a far improved performance. The likely return of Hamish Hartlett will bolster Port Adelaide’s lineup with Jay Schulz also possible (subject to a fitness test).

Injury list

Matthew Broadbent left the field with a cut over his eye during the match.