PORT ADELAIDE has reigned victorious over West Adelaide by 92 points in a must-win game to affirm its top-three position.

West Adelaide got the game going with the first goal and held possession in their forward half for the first 10 minutes of the game, but the Magpies defended hard to concede just that one goal for the quarter, while piling on the next five goals.

Nathan Krakouer was impressive. He scored the Magpies first two goals for the quarter and ended the game with six goals including a brilliant snap aided by a classy Jesse Palmer handballing around his opponent.

Logan Austin covered the backline well, with his hard tackles forcing the Bloods to the ground and created many opportunities for turnovers.   

The Magpies played a strong defensive game,  controlled the ball well in their back half and produced most of their turnovers from the back line.

Hitting their targets through the midfield was a challenge at times, with poor passes led to turnovers in favour of the Bloods, but an increase in pace and pressure in the second and final quarters saw the Magpies blaze ahead.

Aaron Young worked hard pushing the ball into attack, he set up numerous goals and kicked two himself to finish with 28 disposals for the game.

The third quarter saw the Bloods stabilise with three goals in a row, but while the Magpies lost some of their defensive pressure, they never looked out of the game.

Jackson Trengove was a big inclusion for the Magpies in his first SANFL game since 2010.

His energy was electric and his influence on the game noticeable. He finished with two goals and 23 disposals.  

Todd Marshall did well to support his teammates up forward, and he really took off late in the game. He kicked five goals in the term.

The win keeps Port Adelaide at second on the ladder by percentage ahead of Sturt.

The Magpies host Norwood at Alberton oval next Sunday 20 August at 2.10pm. A win over the Redlegs in that game will secure a top-three finish and the double chance for the Magpies.  

Scoreboard

Port Adelaide              5.3       10.9     12.14   22.17 (149)
West Adelaide             1.4       4.4       7.7       8.9 (57)

Goals
Krakouer 6, Marshall 5, Eddy 4, Trengove, Palmer, A Young 2, Lobbe, Ladhams 

Best
A. Young, Marshall, Austin, Krakouer, Trengove, Irra 

Injuries
Nil

At Richmond Oval

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