PORT ADELAIDE stunned Woodville-West Torrens under lights, holding off the Eagles to record a 24-point win at Alberton Oval.
The Eagles pushed the Magpies’ margin to just a solitary point late in the third quarter, before the home side kicked six of the last eight goals to pull away and record a confidence-boosting 15.5 (95) to 10.11 (71) win.
Woodville opened the scoring early on the bitterly cold Saturday night, before two majors in quick succession saw Port Adelaide take the lead, one it would hold on to for the rest of the match.
After a hotly contested first quarter, the Magpies continued their run of goals via debutant Finn Wakelin, nephew of Darryl and Shane, who bagged four of his six goals in the first half alone.
Not to be extinguished early, the Eagles pressed Port Adelaide and got within touching distance in the third term, only for the Magpies to kick away in the second half and fly home with a resounding four goal win.
Head Coach Jacob Surjan was delighted at his young side’s classy performance that delivered the third win of the season.
“Our ability to execute was really pleasing,” Surjan said.
“Our stoppages, ball movement and defence was first class… I’m really pleased for the players.”
Surjan was also happy with his side’s ability to stick to its process when pushed and hang on for the win.
“We were just really steadfast on what we wanted to do,” Surjan said.
“I thought the coaches planned really well and the players went out and did it on the grass, which is the most important thing.”
With seven changes to the side after injuries to the AFL squad, three new Magpies were blooded including Finn Wakelin who impressed coaches with his bag of six goals.
“Six goals on debut… that’s an incredible effort,” Surjan said.
“[Wakelin]’s super talented… he’s a great kid. I’m absolutely thrilled for him.”
Midfield stalwart Jack Watkins (33 disposals, eight clearances) also continued his fine form, commending high praise from Surjan.
“It was what Jack was doing when he didn’t have the ball,” Surjan said
“His work rate from contest to contest, he was really sharp with his feet… It’s probably the most complete game that I’ve seen him play this year.”
After a fluctuating run of form as of late, Surjan was hopeful that his group can attack the rest of the year in a similar winning fashion if they can stick to their processes.
“If we can stick to the process, that will hopefully equal results.” Surjan said.
Port Adelaide will rest in the league bye before taking on Norwood at Alberton Oval on Sunday August 2nd at 2:10pm.
SCOREBOARD
PA 4.3 8.4 11.5 15.5 (95)
WWT 3.3 6.8 8.9 10.11 (71)
Goals: Wakelin 6, Anastasopoulos, Smith, Tarca 2, Burgoyne, Cavallaro, Cochrane
Best: Wakelin, Watkins, Burgoyne, Cavallaro, van Wyk, Moss
