PORT ADELAIDE paid tribute to great Russell Ebert in style with a 24-point win over West Adelaide.
The sun shone and the wind settled at Hisense Stadium for Saturday’s Russell Ebert tribute match, which saw Port Adelaide break away after trailing at quarter time, keeping its September aspirations alive.
A six-goal to one blitz in the second quarter put the Magpies on the front foot, allowing them to keep the inaccurate Bloods at arm’s length for a 14.8 (92) to 9.14 (68) win.
Port Adelaide’s calm back line and systemic ball movement was on display, and although the Bloods won the clearance count 29-26, the Magpies were able to amass 59 inside 50s opposed to the Bloods’ 42.
Coach Hamish Hartlett was impressed with his side’s ability to adapt and control the ball, allowing them to conquer the Bloods’ kick-mark gameplan and play the game on their terms.
“West Adelaide were plus-15 in uncontested marks in the first quarter, then the second quarter, it was even,” Hartlett said.
After clamping the West Adelaide forward line, Port Adelaide midfielders were able to break the game open and burst out of their defensive arc, kicking multiple end-to-end goals thanks to their hard running and tidy kicks.
“We really tightened up defensively, which allowed us to play the game in our half a little bit more and get some score on the board,” Hartlett said.
Mid-season recruit and now a Russell Ebert Medallist as the best on ground, Ewan Mackinlay continued his rich vein of form, impressing his coach with 24 disposals, 10 inside 50s, and two goals.
“(Mackinlay) was outstanding. His work rate and his effort every week that he’s been in the footy club has been unquestionable,” Hartlett praised.
“Today was one of those games where he got a bit of reward for it, where he found plenty of the footy. We threw him in a few centre bounces, and he looked great in there. He brought a bit of speed and a bit of power for us, and it was good to see him finish with some nice goals as well.”
Fellow mid-season recruit Harry Ramm (nine disposals, four marks) was also given more responsibility down back with usual defensive mainstay Jake Weidemann (19 disposals, six clearances and a goal) playing more midfield minutes.
“(Ramm)’s very keen to learn, and he loves getting the big jobs every week playing the best key forwards,” Hartlett said.
“He’s been an exceptional young man to work with and we think he’s got a really bright future.”
Widely regarded as Port Adelaide’s greatest, Hartlett also touched on his side wanting to play for Ebert on what was a special day for the Club.
“It was really important for us to honour the Ebert family in the way we did today,” Hartlett said.
“It bridges connection between the Magpies of now and the Magpies of old.”
Port Adelaide will continue its 2025 campaign next Sunday August 10 at 2:10pm, facing Central District at Alberton Oval.
SCOREBOARD
PA 2.2 8.3 12.5 14.8 (92)
WA 2.3 3.7 6.13 9.14 (68)
Goals: Finlayson 3, Anastasopoulos, Harris, Linke, Mackinlay, Rioli 2, Weidemann
Best: Mackinlay, McLennan, Weidemann, Rioli, Ramm, Watkins
