PORT ADELAIDE has returned to Alberton Oval with a stirring come from behind 17-point win over Central District in Round 2 of the SANFL on Saturday afternoon.
After a fast start by the visitors, the Magpies restricted the Bulldogs to just one behind for the entire second half to run out comfortable 8.16 (64) to 7.5 (47) winners - their first victory of 2021.
In windy conditions, the Magpies were unable to pressure the scoreboard significantly, registering five behinds only in the first quarter.
Aiden Grace kicked the first of the match for Central District, which was followed by three more before quarter-time, the Dogs up by 22 points at the first change.
Despite kicking a further two behinds, Port finally registered its first major through Boyd Woodcock, 30 metres out directly in front.
The Bulldogs would again respond, this time through Ethan East for his second, before Port forward Luke Surman snagged his first.
Centrals would slot the next two majors of the game to lead by 26 points at half-time, leaving Port with plenty of questions in the blustery conditions.
The Magpies began to assert their authority on the game in the third quarter, with Surman slotting his second from a tight angle.
Campbell Wildman nailed the next for the Pies after a bizarre passage of play where the wind wreaked havoc on several shots on goal.
The Dogs had one a late chance in the third, but only managed a behind to lead by just 13 points going into the final stanza.
The Magpies’ rampant run continued after the last change, with Ollie Lord slotting a sensational running goal from 50 metres out inside the opening minute to send the Port fans into madness.
Trent Burgoyne backed it up after receiving a free kick to cut the margin to just one point two minutes later.
Both sides battled back and forth after scores were tied from a behind before Dylan Williams put the Pies in front with a point.
Miles Bergman, in for his first game of SANFL football, took a magnificent mark after composed build up play by Taj Schofield, and converted to give the home side a cushion.
Surman backed it up with this third after a strong mark with a towering punt from 45 out.
Jarrod Lienert and Boyd Woodcock were terrific with 23 touches each, while Jackson Mead racked up 22.
For the second successive week, Sam Hayes was dominant in the ruck with 33 hit outs and six clearances.
Port Adelaide 0.5 2.8 4.10 8.16 (64)
Central District 4.3 7.4 7.5 7.5 (47)
Port Adelaide
Best: Woodcock, McKenzie, Lienert, Moore, Hayes, Garner, Mead, Schofield.
Goals: Surman 3, Woodcock, Wildman, Lord, Burgoyne, Bergman.
