The Magpies did everything but win against the Double Blues as they got within 10-points early in the last quarter. It wasn’t to be though as six Sturt goals in the final term condemned Port Adelaide to a 10.9 (69) to 17.9 (111) loss.
It was a textbook day for football at Unley Oval on Sunday with a clear sky, little wind, and not a touch too cold. The Magpies started hot though with an early flurry of inside 50s, but only had 2.4 to show for it after being unable to make the most of their entries.
The second quarter saw a deadlock for 17 minutes as both sides battled for the ball, before youngsters Bailey Chamberlain and Rome Burgoyne both slotted tricky set shots to bring Port Adelaide within five points at half time.
Xavier Walsh opened the third quarter with a brilliant left-foot snap to snatch the lead from the Double Blues, before the home side kicked the next five goals, seemingly sealing the game.
Port Adelaide had more to give though, willing themselves to within 10-points of the reigning premiers with four of the next five goals, before Sturt kicked away in the last quarter to claim a 42-point victory.
While pleased with the effort against a quality side, head coach Jacob Surjan was disappointed at the loss.
“There are no honourable losses [at Port Adelaide],” Surjan said.
“We’re really pleased with the intent and the desperation and the effort that the players brought today… unfortunately, there’s just little moments in games that change the momentum.”
Surjan also highlighted the effort from his midfield crop, who won the clearance count 33-24, had one more inside 50 (46-45), and dominated in the ruck (39-20 hitouts).
“[The midfield] gave us a really good opportunity to win the game,” Surjan said.
“They were all pretty competitive and played their roles… I thought they executed pretty well today.”
After a chaotic night on the injury front in the AFL side, usual forward Jacob Moss was thrown back into defence which led to a standout performance (nine disposals, three contested marks and five rebound 50s), also gaining a nod as best afield from his coaches.
“I’m thrilled for [Moss],” Surjan said.
“We’re rapt with the way he went about it today… it just shows the flexibility and the competitiveness that he has in his game.”=
Surjan also noted that it would be a much more difficult week in the selection committee after the likes of Will Brodie (29 disposals and a goal), Jack Watkins (28 disposals), and Christian Moraes (20 disposals, two goals) continued their fine form.
“It’ll definitely be a lot harder this week because we felt like we had more guys perform and play their roles this week compared to other weeks.”
Port Adelaide will take on Adelaide next at Adelaide Oval on Saturday June 27 at 3:10pm, acting as a curtain-raiser for the AFL Showdown.
SCOREBOARD
PA 2.4 4.6 7.9 10.9 (69)
ST 4.1 5.5 11.7 17.9 (111)
Goals: Moraes, Zadow 2, Brodie, Burgoyne, Chamberlain, van Wyk, Walsh, Webb
Best: Moss, Brodie, Lorenz, Wehr, Zadow, Barrett
