PORT ADELAIDE has won its second game in a row, claiming a thrilling five-point win over Central District after a late Todd Marshall goal.
The Magpies had to wait until the last second to bury the Bulldogs after a 21-point lead was evaporated by Central District’s late goal, before Tom Cochrane heroics and a Todd Marshall goal stole back the 13.6 (84) to 12.7 (79) win for Port Adelaide.
Alberton Oval was ignited early on Saturday by Tom Anastasopoulos’ early dribble goal, before Centrals piled on the next three majors to take an early lead. Port Adelaide responded with three quick goals of its own, including a spectacular 50m effort from Nic Couroupis.
The following quarter saw Port Adelaide add to its goal tally via Benny Barrett (one goal, five inside 50s) and Xavier Walsh (one goal, 11 disposals), but were working with a decimated bench following injuries to Jackson Mead, Harrison Ramm and Rory O’Driscoll.
Although Anastasopoulos kicked three majors in the first half, it was Cochrane who stole Tommy’s thunder, slotting four goals in the third quarter alone, finishing on 5.3 overall.
The Bulldogs weren’t keen to lie down though, wrestling back four goals to reclaim the lead in the last quarter and give the Magpies a mighty scare.
It was only when Todd Marshall was moved forward late and slotted his first goal at any level in 602 days could Port Adelaide supporters breathe out, as they saw the Magpies claim a five-point win.
Having claimed a second consecutive win, Head Coach Jacob Surjan was delighted at his side’s ability to adapt to the circumstances and ultimately emerge victorious.
“As a coaching group, we couldn’t be more proud about the way our boys went about it today,” Surjan said.
“To go a point down with a couple of minutes to go and flip what we were trying to do just shows great maturity and understanding of our game plan.”
Commenting on Todd Marshall’s return to state level, Surjan praised the professionalism of the defender.
“[Marshall]’s an absolute pro,” Surjan said.
“When you come out of the AFL team, you’ve got to come down [to SANFL level] and deliver, and we felt like he did that today and ended up sealing the game.”
Surjan also commended Tom Anastasopoulos’ ability to impact after a week out in concussion protocols.
“It gives [Anastasopoulos] great confidence… he’s been super for us,” Surjan said.
“He’s been doing a mountain of work… I reckon he’s played some of his best football for the club since he got drafted.”
On a day where there were multiple heroes, Surjan was sure to highlight the most heroic of them all, young gun Tom Cochrane after a standout five-goal performance.
“[Cochrane]’s been flying,” Surjan praised.
“He’s put a lot of time and effort into himself and his body. He’s going to keep developing, but today is a little bit of reward for the effort that he’s put in.”
Port Adelaide will recover in the league bye next week, before facing the ladder-leading Eagles at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval on Saturday May 23rd at 2:10pm.
SCOREBOARD
PA 4.2 7.5 11.6 13.6 (84)
CD 5.1 6.2 8.3 12.7 (79)
Goals: Cochrane 5, Anastasopoulos 3, Barrett, Couroupis, Marshall, Roberts, Walsh
Best: Cochrane, Moore, Brodie, Anastasopoulos, Lorenz, Moss
