Christian Moraes (25 disposals, six marks) was strong in the midfield today. Image: Brock Pearson.

Port Adelaide suffered a 39-point loss after a last-quarter shootout saw Sturt run away with the result.

The Magpies matched the Double Blues for most of the afternoon, but a goalless first quarter meant the reigning premiers were always one step ahead on Saturday, leading to the 11.8 (74) to 17.11 (113) loss.

A windy yet sunny Saturday set the scene for the last SANFL match at Alberton Oval this season as an inaccurate Port Adelaide started with a strong breeze against it, giving Sturt a four-goal head start.

Port Adelaide responded by kicking the first two goals of the second quarter through Heath Growden and Michael Cavallaro but was unable to take the Double Blues’ buffer away from them.

While three-quarter time saw Port Adelaide down by 31-points, Sturt threatened to blow the margin wide open in the last quarter with seven goals extending their lead to a game-high 61 points.

The much-improved Magpies though fought back with six goals of their own from an array of forwards, seeing the final margin rest at 39 points after an exciting shootout in the last term.

SANFL Round 18 v Sturt

All the moments from Saturday's SANFL action. Images: Brock Pearson.
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While disappointed with the result, coach Jacob Surjan was pleased with his side’s response from last week.

“We never gave up in the contest,” Surjan said.

“We had a crack to the end… We definitely felt like our team system and structure all over the ground was much improved.”

Surjan was also pleased with how his players responded to Sturt’s run of goals in the last quarter.

“The boys made some calls out on the ground to go at the game a bit more,” Surjan said.

“It shows great maturity and leadership for such a young group to make some calls… I’m really proud of them.”

Midfielder Christian Moraes (25 disposals) garnered praise from his coaches after executing his role for the team.

“We thought Moraes’ role for our team today was outstanding,” Surjan said.

“His ability just to play his role and not worry about too much else was a real growth sign for us and him as an individual.”

Michael Cavallaro played one of his best games for the club, tallying 23 disposals, a goal and six inside-50s. Image: Brock Pearson.

Jez McLennan (25 disposals, five tackles, five clearances), Jake Tarca (three goals), and Brad Thompson (13 disposals) were all highlighted as strong performers, while Michael Cavallaro also stood out with 23 touches, five clearances and a goal.

“Jez McLennan had some real power in driving around centre bounce… Tarca hit the scoreboard,” Surjan said.

“Brad Thompson has been a bit unheralded for us over the last month… his ability to come forward when he’s one-on-one, he’s used the ball really well.”

Port Adelaide will now take on Central District in the final match of the season next Saturday 22nd August at 2:10pm at Elizabeth Oval.

SCOREBOARD
PA  0.3  2.5  5.7  11.8  (74)
ST  4.1  7.5  10.8  17.11  (113)

Goals: Tarca 3, Growden, Walsh 2, Cavallaro, Chamberlain, Kempe, Smith
Best: McLennan, Brodie, Moraes, Cavallaro, Thompson, Walsh