A WINLESS decade at The Parade has ended in the best way possible for Port Adelaide, with a thrilling come-from-behind win starting a Good Friday for the faithful at Alberton.  

It came despite a slow first quarter for the Magpies, where Norwood controlled the ball at stoppages to boot five goals, with the Magpies only able to manage three – two of which came from frees in front of goal.

Former vice-captain Louis Sharrad was competitive through the midfield and Jimmy Toumpas held strong across half back. Both were consistent all night.

Port came out a different side after quarter time.

 

Robbie Young celebrates on the final siren [pic: AFL]

While the Redlegs still had an impact at stoppages, the Magpies hit where it counts - the scoreboard.   

Todd Marshall’s kick for goal on the half time siren put the Magpies in front by two points for the first time in the game and set Port for an exciting second half.

The third quarter got off to a seemingly good start the Magpies held possession, but were inaccurate in front of goals and kicked five points in a row despite their dominance with the ball inside attacking 50 in the first 10 minutes.

The Redlegs hit back at the eleven-minute mark with the first goal of the quarter, finally able to push the ball into their forward 50 having struggled to break the Magpies’ tough defensive pressure.

The Magpies first goal of the quarter was from Robbie Young who showed impressive determination attacking the ball head-on.

He fought off Redlegs defenders to slot through his first goal of the game. 

Billy Frampton was a big contributor for the Magpies in the third quarter too - stepping into a permanent ruck position in the absence of the injured Matthew Lobbe (who was sidelined with a hamstring injury this week) and ended the game with 17 disposals and two goals.   

Brett Eddy’s two goals in the final quarter helped keep the Magpies competitive. In what turned out to be a nail-biting term, the lead changed hands multiple times.  

Magpies captain Steve Summerton scored an exciting run-on goal from just outside the goal square assisted by a hard run along the wing from Robbie Young in a tight man on man contest.

Port Adelaide now look towards next weekend where it will host North Adelaide in the first game at Alberton Oval for the season. That game takes place on Saturday 22 April at 2.10pm.

Scoreboard

Port Adelaide     3.2        7.6        8.13      12.17 (89)  
Norwood            5.4        7.4        10.7      13.8  (86)

Goals
Eddy 3, Neade, Frampton, R. Young 2, Sharrad, Marshall, Summerton.     

Best
Toumpas, Sharrad, Frampton, Young, Howard

Injuries
Bonner (TBC)

Venue
Norwood Oval

 

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