The Magpies have capped off their pre-season campaign with a win. Image: Brock Pearson.

PORT ADELAIDE capped off its final pre-season hitout, overcoming an early 30-point deficit to beat West Adelaide by a goal.

The Magpies controlled Saturday’s match simulation after half-time, securing a nail-biting 11.12 (78) to 11.6 (72) win over the Bloods. Arresting West Adelaide’s immense pressure early in the game and capitalising on its own opportunities, Port Adelaide was able to finish its 2026 pre-season with consecutive wins.

Playing under blue skies at a neutral X Convenience Oval, the Bloods performed as if they were at home and ambushed the Magpies immediately, kicking the first five goals of the game inside 15 minutes.

It was then up to experienced midfielder Will Brodie to kick Port Adelaide’s first major, soon followed by a spectacular goal from 50 metres after the quarter-time siren to draw the margin back to a manageable 19 points.

Will Brodie was one of Port Adelaide's best, exerting his dominance both on-ball and in front of goal. Image: Brock Pearson.

While the Bloods led for most of the match, Port Adelaide cleaned up its turnovers after half-time, which left West Adelaide goals hard to come by. Only conceding two goals in the second half, Port Adelaide chipped away at the margin until Michael Cavallaro’s last-quarter goal claimed the Magpies’ first lead.

Head coach Jacob Surjan was pleased with his side’s attitude to recover from its early scare and reclaim control of the game.

“I felt we adjusted after half-time really well,” Surjan said.

“I think our uncontested marks went through the roof… we still had moments where we didn’t execute what we wanted, but all in all, I thought the players adapted to the way we wanted to play really well.”

Surjan applauded Brodie for his on-field leadership, allowing the Magpies to stay within touching distance after conceding six first-quarter goals.

“[Brodie’s] a professional. He’s outstanding,” Surjan praised.

“He understands what his role is and he understands what he needs to do to play AFL football. I’m really proud of his efforts.”

Surjan was also happy with key forward Jack Lukosius’ return to football after he had a major impact everywhere but the scoreboard.

“I thought Jack’s effort and intensity was outstanding,” Surjan said.

SANFL head coach Jacob Surjan was impressed with Jack Lukosius' return to field. Image: Brock Pearson.

“I know he kicked a couple of behinds, but he’s still having shots on goal. He’ll execute those in big games. I was really happy with the way he presented today.”

With its pre-season over, Port Adelaide now firmly looks ahead to its Round 1 clash against Glenelg at Alberton Oval on March 28 at 4:10pm.

SCOREBOARD

PA  3.0  6.3  8.9  11.12 (78)
WA  6.1  9.2  10.3  11.6  (72)

Goals: Brodie 3, Zadow 2, Anastasopoulos, Barrett, Burgoyne, Cavallaro, Roberts, Sterzl

Best: Brodie, McLennan, Moraes, Lukosius, Sweet, Chamberlain