PORT ADELAIDE'S SANFL coach Chad Cornes had plenty to celebrate after Port Adelaide’s 71-point win over Norwood on Sunday.
The win confirms the Magpies’ position in the top-three heading into the finals, and secures them the double chance.
Its qualifying final is certain to be against Sturt, with the winner to play the minor premiers Woodville-West Torrens.
The 71-point win over Norwood was Port’s biggest since 1998.
Cornes described the emphatic victory – where Norwood was held goalless in the third quarter – as Port’s best for the year.
“[It is] probably the most satisfying win for the year,” Cornes said.
“They [Norwood] got smashed last week so we were expecting a big response from them, which in the first quarter there was.”
Cornes said the attitude and leadership from senior AFL players inserted into the side helped push Port towards victory.
Jackson Trengove and Aaron Young were again Port’s strongest leaders, and continue to apply pressure for a recall at AFL level.
Trengove had four goals and Young was again the Magpies’ best ball-winner.
“The attitude of the guys who came back from the AFL team again led by Jacko it’s not just the stuff he does on the field, but the energy he brings before the game in the warm up,” Cornes said.
“It’s been a good three-week block [and] it’s helped having Youngy and Jacko.
“They lead the way in terms of toughness and aggression.”
Port Adelaide takes on North Adelaide next Saturday at Prospect, but cannot be budged from its position in the top three.
The Magpies and Double Blues are locked on 12 wins apiece, both unable to catch the top-ranked Eagles, but also secure from falling beneath third position.
Sturt are the reigning premiers, and Port comfortably beat them in Round 5, before the Double Blues got one back in Round 10.
Cornes praised Port’s collective playing group for a strong weekend of performances, where the Reserves enjoyed a 22-goal win over Norwood to continue their ascendency atop the ladder.
The Power also confirmed their finals position with a win over the Western Bulldogs.
“They have put themselves in a brilliant position,” Cornes said.
“Looks like we should play Sturt in the first final we are one and one with them this year so that exciting.
“The Power had a great win in Saturday and the Reserves are sitting on top of the ladder so we are three from three heading into finals, it is a really exciting time for the club.”
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