WHILE IT stretched Glenelg until the final siren, Port Adelaide couldn’t topple the reigning premiers, suffering a 10-point loss and a blow to its finals’ chances.
The Magpies were valiant all day in the free-flowing and high-scoring affair, ultimately conceding to the Tigers in a 12.12 (84) to 13.16 (94) loss.
Matching the Tigers in every major stat at quarter-time, the Magpies were only let down by their early inaccuracy. Both backlines held strong as an onslaught of inside 50s beckoned, with the margin at the main break only 14 points.
Then, trailing by just nine points at three-quarter time, Port Adelaide was aided by a bout of rain in the final term, much to the dismay of Glenelg’s tall forwards, albeit Port Adelaide also couldn’t capitalise on its late chances to pull ahead.
Coach Hamish Hartlett lamented Saturday’s missed opportunity which now sees Port Adelaide outside of the top five and needing to beat Norwood to leapfrog it next week and play September football.
“There were some frustrating moments late in the game,” Hartlett said.
“We didn’t really execute well as a team in terms of some decision making… [Glenelg] were just a bit cleaner and a little bit more clinical around the footy.”
While disappointed with the result, Hartlett was pleased with the intensity his side brought and will take confidence from the hit-out into next week’s do-or-die clash.
“We should gain a lot of confidence out of what we’ve done over the last couple of weeks in particular,” Hartlett said.
“It comes down to the last week of the year, which is really exciting for our group to still be in with a chance to play of bit of footy in September.”
While Glenelg was able to control the last quarter and claim the result, Port Adelaide still showcased its slick ball movement and even saw it hold the lead midway through the third term.
Midfielders Jack Watkins (32 disposals, six clearances) and Jeremy Finlayson (23 disposals, 19 hitouts and two goals) led the way for the Magpies, impressing their coach with their efforts in the contest and around the ground.
“I thought Jack Watkins worked really tirelessly all game as he always does and got plenty of the ball,” Hartlett praised.
“[Finlayson] did some really special things that we know he’s capable of doing, and I thought Ewan Mackinlay (21 disposals and three goals) was really good again.”
Enjoying a successful return from injury last week, key defender Jacob Moss was thrown forward in an attempt to stretch the Tigers’ backline.
“[Moss] competed pretty well for us up forward and then chopped out in the ruck a little bit too. So a new experience for him and that’ll be a nice little learning curve for him,” Hartlett said.
While there were many positives to take from the close loss, an early knee injury to SANFL-contracted player Josh Byrne soured the day.
Port Adelaide will now gear up to face Norwood next Saturday in a must-win clash at The Parade at 3:40pm.
SCOREBOARD
PA: 1.5 4.8 10.11 12.12 (84)
GLG: 3.3 6.6 11.14 13.16 (94)
Goals: Mackinlay 3, Chamberlain, Charleson, Finlayson, Linke 2, Jackson
Best: Mackinlay, Watkins, Ramm, Lai, Weidemann, Linke, Turner
