PORT ADELAIDE has gone down to Norwood by 36 points at Alberton Oval in Saturday’s Round 14 SANFL clash.
In a game important to Port Adelaide’s finals hopes, the Redlegs took the lead early and built on it as the game went on.
The home side closing to within 12 points in the third quarter but was unable to close the gap as the visitors kicked away with four last quarter majors.
Port got off to a flyer with Pete Ladhams burning his opponent before snapping around on the left.
The Redlegs were butchering their chances in front of goal, but Harry Boyd kicked their first.
Mitch Grigg then slotted their second before Michael Knoll nailed their third after receiving two successive 25-metre penalties and converting from the goal square.
Needing a response, Hamish Hartlett delivered just before quarter-time, rifling the ball home off the ground.
The Magpies trailed by 11 points at quarter-time and needed a response with the Redlegs allowed 11 scoring shots in the opening quarter.
Port opened the scoring again in the second as Tyson Goldsack took a strong contested mark and converted.
Yet, the Redlegs responded with two of their own, before Jake Weidemann mirrored Ladhams’ goal, showing strength to see off his opponent before snapping home.
Norwood would extend its lead to 19 points at the main break with Tristan Binder scoring the final goal of the term.
The Redlegs drew first blood in the third, with Binder backing it up with another major.
The Magpies then wrestled the momentum into their control with Dyl Williams converting, followed up by a terrific snap from Riley Bonner making it a 12-point game.
That momentum was halted when Binder received a 25-metre penalty and was able to convert for his third for Norwood.
Xavier Tranfa made it back-to-back goals for the Redlegs to again extend the margin before Pete Ladhams popped up with his second.
Norwood again scored late to make it a 24-point margin and a tough challenge for Port at the final change.
The Magpies came charging and missed an early chance, but Williams would slot his second five minutes into the final term.
However, the Redlegs put the foot down with three quick goals. Brad McKenzie would kick two in a minute before Paul Puopolo slotted the sealer 15 minutes into the last.
Jake Westbrook would score a consolation goal to end the game but it was too little too late as Port went down at home to its bitter rival.
There was one positive, with the return from injury of Xavier Duursma after a 13-week layoff following knee surgery.
SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide 2.3 4.3 7.4 9.6 (60)
Norwood 3.8 6.10 10.10 14.12 (96)
Goals: Williams, Ladhams 2, Bonner, Goldsack, Hartlett, Weidemann, Westbrook
Best: Garner, McEntee, Wildman, Corcoran, Ladhams, Duursma
