IN a tight tussle on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Alberton Oval, the Magpies were unable to return to their winning ways, falling to rivals Norwood by 17-points.

There were 10 lead changes in the first three quarters in what was a hard fought, back and forward contest. However, the young Magpies side were unable to hold on as the Redlegs ran away in the final period.

Despite the loss, there were a number of impressive individual performances that were sure to put the AFL selection committee on notice, but it was the overall team effort that most impressed coach Hamish Hartlett. 

“I thought it was a great game of footy, I thought there were two teams out there that competed really well in all phases of the game. All we asked from the boys this game was unconditional effort for four quarters and I thought they brought that,” Hartlett said.

Although he was pleased with his side’s overall effort, Hartlett recognised that there was an accumulation of small mistakes that cost them the win. 

“It seemed like there were a lot of really small moments within the game that cost us. Kicks that got chopped off by a fingertip or some ball security moments where our guys perhaps could have held the ball in and just got knocked out,” said Hartlett.

Port Adelaide’s talls had a day out, with experienced duo Jeremy Finlayson (11 disposals, five marks) and Ollie Lord (16 disposals, 10 hitouts) ominous up forward, kicking five goals a-piece and contributing around the ground behind the ball and chopping out in the ruck. 

Ivan Soldo (15 disposals, 34 hitouts) put in another dominant display in the ruck, and young mid-season draftee Harry Ramm continued to hone with defensive craft, nullifying the impact of Norwood’s potent key forwards. 

Another standout for the Magpies was 18-year old Rome Burgoyne (18 disposals, six marks), whose composure and playmaking abilities across halfback saw him listed among the best players. 

“He had a great pre-season  and certainly his form in the last three or four weeks has been exceptional for a young player, so he's been a real highlight for us in recent weeks,” said Hartlett of Burgoyne.

Hartlett also sung the praises of versatile defender Jez McLennan (20 disposals, five marks), whose experience and leadership have shone bright in his debut SANFL season for the Magpies. 

“He's (McLennan) an exceptional person to have around the footy club. He's very, very driven to play well, to be a part of a successful group and you can hear him talking and leading the way out there and he provides plenty of stability for us whenever he's in the team,” Hartlett said. 

Port Adelaide is looking forward to the challenge of hosting Sturt at Alberton Oval next week, with the Double Blues coming in boasting a SANFL record winning streak.  

“One of the boys mentioned after the game that what we did in the first three quarters today sets a foundation for what we're capable of achieving for the rest of the season,” Hartlett said. 

“If we turn up and show determination and hard work, then we'll be in with a chance against them. It's going to be a big challenge. Our young group, I think, are up for it.”

Port Adelaide will take on Sturt in their Round 13 fixture at Alberton Oval on Saturday, July 12 at 2:10pm.

Best: Lord, Finlayson, Soldo, McLennan, R. Burgoyne, Liddy
Goals: Lord, Finlayson 5, Moraes, Whitlock
Disposals: Watkins 24, McLennan 20, Liddy 19, R. Burgoyne, Moraes, Mead 18

Port Adelaide:   3.2   6.3  9.4  12.4  (76)
Norwood:         4.1    7.1  10.1 15.3  (93)