The trial game allowed the Magpies’ small midfielders to demonstrate their class around the ball with Aaron Young and Tom Logan both prolific through the middle of the biggest ground in the SANFL competition - a stark contrast to the narrow Alberton Oval.
But it was the home side that played the better opening quarter, despite a slim buffer on the scoreboard.
While Port Adelaide opened the scoring through 17-year-old Jake Johansen, the Magpies were unable to hold off the experienced Bulldogs, with the home side clawing one back through ex-Gold Coast Sun Jacob Gillbee before the Magpies’ Aaron Young was handed a routine shot on goal after being collected head-high.
Luke Habel eased the Bulldogs back into the game and a series of missed set shots left the home side wanting, with just a two-point lead at the first change.
The Magpies were fortunate to be so close at quarter time, with the Bulldogs’ experience proving crucial during the closing minutes of the term.
After quarter time the visitors really opened the taps thanks to strong performances from Aaron Young and small runners Tom Logan, Sam Gray and Cameron Hitchcock rotating off the bench.
Young kicked his second of the afternoon and was influential around the ground, while ruckman Brent Renouf proved the Magpies only other multiple goalscorer to half time with two for the term.
Port Adelaide’s superior use of the ball and ability to transition from defence quickly on several occasions was essential in converting several goals, despite strong pressure from the Bulldogs through the middle of the ground.
Carrying a comfortable lead into half time, Port Adelaide continued to turn the screws in the third term with a relentless forward attack putting pressure on the Bulldogs defence.
With the Magpies midfield using the switch through the middle of the ground effectively and the forward line creating multiple options around the ground, the black and white was able to effectively win and retain possession forward of centre - gaining a wafer-thin edge in the middle and ramping up its inside-50s.
Intelligent ball use was the theme of Port Adelaide’s second half and a distinct contrast to the way it missed targets in the first.
Holding a comfortable 47-point lead at the final break, the Magpies were able to cruise to the line for its second win of the pre-season.
Despite the win, senior coach Garry Hocking was disappointed with the approach taken into the game by his charges.
While Port Adelaide opened the scoring through 17-year-old Jake Johansen, the Magpies were unable to hold off the experienced Bulldogs, with the home side clawing one back through ex-Gold Coast Sun Jacob Gillbee before the Magpies’ Aaron Young was handed a routine shot on goal after being collected head-high.
Luke Habel eased the Bulldogs back into the game and a series of missed set shots left the home side wanting, with just a two-point lead at the first change.
The Magpies were fortunate to be so close at quarter time, with the Bulldogs’ experience proving crucial during the closing minutes of the term.
After quarter time the visitors really opened the taps thanks to strong performances from Aaron Young and small runners Tom Logan, Sam Gray and Cameron Hitchcock rotating off the bench.
Young kicked his second of the afternoon and was influential around the ground, while ruckman Brent Renouf proved the Magpies only other multiple goalscorer to half time with two for the term.
Port Adelaide’s superior use of the ball and ability to transition from defence quickly on several occasions was essential in converting several goals, despite strong pressure from the Bulldogs through the middle of the ground.
Carrying a comfortable lead into half time, Port Adelaide continued to turn the screws in the third term with a relentless forward attack putting pressure on the Bulldogs defence.
With the Magpies midfield using the switch through the middle of the ground effectively and the forward line creating multiple options around the ground, the black and white was able to effectively win and retain possession forward of centre - gaining a wafer-thin edge in the middle and ramping up its inside-50s.
Intelligent ball use was the theme of Port Adelaide’s second half and a distinct contrast to the way it missed targets in the first.
Holding a comfortable 47-point lead at the final break, the Magpies were able to cruise to the line for its second win of the pre-season.
Despite the win, senior coach Garry Hocking was disappointed with the approach taken into the game by his charges.
He demanded a four-quarter effort for the Magpies' next trial against North Adelaide at Alberton on the coming Friday after what he said was a disappointing opening half.
"There were concerns early with what I thought was the way we approached the game," Hocking told portadelaidefc.com.au.
"Full credit to Centrals for the way they played early on and we were a bit sluggish to start and butchered the ball through the middle of the ground.
"They [Central District] brought intensity that worried us a bit in the box, we felt Neade, Hitchcock, Mitchell and a few others could give us run and keep them in the game after half time, but early I felt we weren't doing the little things well enough.
"While the result favoured us, we still have a lot of work to do."
Port Adelaide will play its final SANFL trial game against North Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Friday 28 March at 6:00pm.
Earlier in the day, the club's Academy team ran out 45-point winners over Central District's reserves with Sam Gordon booting four goals.
SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE 2.1 7.2 10.9 14.11 (95)
CENTRAL DISTRICT 2.3 3.4 3.4 4.6 (30)
Goals
Port Adelaide: Renouf, Young, Bruggemann 2, Johansen, Ah Chee, Haren, Summerton, S. Gray, Newton, Amon, Hitchcock
Central District: Habel 2, Gillbee, Retzlaff
portadelaidefc.com.au's best players
Young, Hitchcock, S. Gray, Johansen, Newton, Slattery
Young, Hitchcock, S. Gray, Johansen, Newton, Slattery
