1. Execution hurts
So far this year, especially against Central, Port Adelaide has been unable to execute the fundamentals. Failure to hit targets by hand and foot and dropped marks undid Port’s attacking opportunities. Inaccuracy in a goalless third quarter added to the frustration of fans and coaches, especially with the Bulldogs' quick movement out of defence and accurate kicking at the other end.
2. Krakouer's adds value
Back from injury, Nathan Krakouer was classy in his first game for 2016. He didn’t get much of the ball, but ‘Krak’ worked hard to create chances, applied defensive pressure and tried to do the one-percenters like shepherding teammates and setting up goals.
3. Central's midfield is potent
Having had their bye in Round 2 and losing their past two games, the Bulldogs needed a response and it was Central's midfield, led by Travis Schiller (10 clearances) and Chris Jansen (seven) which set up the 30-point win. Along with Jarrod Schiller and Kyle Presbury, Central’s midfield proved winning hard ball and quick movement out of the centre wins games.
4. Port couldn’t stop the run
Port Adelaide managed to narrow a 10-point quarter time deficit to one straight kick at the main break through patches of brilliance from Polec and Ah Chee in the midfield. But then came three unanswered goals to the Bulldogs after half time to give them a 25-point lead early in the third term. The Magpies’ diminished run and lack of hunger compounded the problem, with too few standing up when the chips were down. Playing four quarters of team football is what Magpies senior coach Chad Cornes demanded after the game.
