PORT ADELAIDE has proven it is the real deal in 2020 after a high-quality win over reigning premier Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Saturday evening.
The full-throttle display was a fitting result after Port dominated proceedings but couldn’t shake off the Tigers until the end, eventually running out 13.15 (93) to 11.6 (72) winners.
It was a milestone night for captain Tom Jonas and co-vice-captain Ollie Wines, who each played their 150th AFL games and ruckman Scott Lycett, who played his 100th and the Power did them proud on a chilly and at times wet night in Adelaide.
Port set the running early with its intensity and tackling pressure and the Tigers appeared shell-shocked as the home side booted the first four goals of the game.
Ruckman Peter Ladhams, starting up forward with the return of Lycett to the team, had the first within 70 seconds with a clever checkside kick from the boundary, which had the small but vocal crowd on its feet.
Charlie Dixon opened his account after marking 25 metres out and then Robbie Gray and Zak Butters got in on the act, putting Port Adelaide 25 points up after 14 minutes.
But Dixon had a couple of costly misses, including one from just 15 metres out directly in front, and the Tigers pounced.
Seconds later Tom Lynch found himself free inside 50 after two Port defenders ran into each other and the big man got his side going.
His forward partner Jack Riewoldt then got involved, booting two of the easiest goals of his career running into open goals, bringing the visitors back within seven points at quarter time.
Kane Lambert made it four goals in a row to the Tigers within 50 seconds of the restart after some strong work by Dustin Martin, before Ladhams got one back for Port to try halt the momentum after a good mark 35 metres out.
Then Port Adelaide supporters were left fuming after first Tom Clurey was pushed into Riewoldt but somehow the Tigers forward was given a free kick and then Martin snapped a goal after what appeared a throw by one of his teammates and the Tigers had the lead for the first time in the game.
Then second gamer Boyd Woodcock conjured something special with a snap from 35 metres out to finally get his first career goal, and his teammates came streaming in to celebrate with him.
The teenager thought he had his first goal against the Bulldogs five days earlier only to have it disallowed by the video review.
It started a run of three Port goals with Gray snapping his second and Karl Amon booting his first after some quick transition by the home side.
Jake Aarts got one back for the Tigers and had it not been for the siren just as he ran into an open goal Gray would have had a third.
Instead Port took a nine-point lead into the main change, though it would be left to rue some missed opportunities.
Port again burst out of the blocks to boot the first two goals of the second half, including an unbelievable snap from a tight angle by Dixon and a clever snap by Wines as the margin went back out to 22 points.
But from there it was all Richmond with four-straight majors including two to Mabior Chol who was causing all sorts of problems for the home defenders.
Again the Power wasted chances with Kane Farrell hitting the post from 20 metres out and Tom Rockliff doing the same from a tougher 45 metre set shot, and Richmond held a one-point advantage at the final change as the rain started to come down at Adelaide Oval.
The numbers said Port should be well in front – 30 clearances to 18, 36 inside 50s to 22 and 106 contested possessions to 83, but the reigning Premiers kept coming up with answers.
Just as it did in the first quarter, Port came out breathing fire and was back in front within 18 seconds as strong forward pressure and some clever play from Zak Butters had Gray running into an open goal for his third.
The pressure from the home side was telling. It had 17 of the first 18 inside 50s and goals to Dan Houston and Tom Rockliff – after consecutive 50 metre penalties took him to the goal square put the game beyond doubt.
The Tigers were held goalless and managed just two inside 50s for the quarter, as Port Adelaide proved its Premiership credentials to the tune of 21 points.
Wines was brilliant in his milestone game, finishing with 28 disposals – 23 of which were contested - plus a game-high eleven tackles and game-high 10 clearances while Travis Boak was probably the best on ground with 31 touches, seven inside 50s and eight clearances.
The only dampner was the late withdrawal of the classy Connor Rozee who had heel soreness in the warm up and was replaced by Cam Sutcliffe.
Port Adelaide will now enjoy its longest break for weeks with six days until it travels to the Gold Coast to take on Geelong at Metricon Stadium on Friday.
SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE 4.4 8.6 10.11 13.15 (93)
RICHMOND 3.3 7.3 11.6 11.6 (72)
Goals
Gray 3, Ladhams, Dixon 2, Butters, Woodcock, Amon, Wines, Houston, Rockliff
Best
Wines, Boak, Ladhams, Gray, Jonas, Rockliff, Sam Powell-Pepper, Dixon, Butters
Crowd
Approx. 10,000 at Adelaide Oval.
