1.    Brothers in arms

Port Adelaide’s strong history of brotherly football talent is strong, with the likes of Peter and Shaun Burgoyne and Chad and Kane Cornes...but it was the Gray brothers – Sam and Tom – who stole the show on Saturday against the Bloods. 

The pair proved a brutal combination for the Magpies, collecting 57 disposals between them - Sam lead the way with 37 and little brother Tom finishing with 20 to his name. 

The Gray brothers also kicked a goal each and were instrumental in setting up plenty of Port’s 19 majors.

2.    Reynolds’ bag of eight leaves Port with two leading goal kickers this season 

Reynolds’ display up forward has been a talking point all season. In an inconsistent year on-field he continues to prove himself as one of Port’s shining lights. 

Reynolds has scored in every game so far except for two – against the Eagles and then later against South Adelaide – but he reached his leage career high with his bag of eight on Saturday.

The breakout forward now sits equal with John Butcher in the Magpies’ leading goal scorer for 2016 - each have 30 to their name so far.

 

3.    Three missing to blood experience

While Port went into the clash unchanged for the first time in 2016, West Adelaide were hit by the injury curse and faced the Magpies without three of its most experienced players – Aaron Fielke, Tyson Slattery and Adam Hartlett (brother of the Power's Hamish).

West missed their experience, particularly Hartlett down back, where the Bloods' defence were unable to contain Port Adelaide's key targets and accuracy infront of goal. 

4.    Port’s possession obsession gets the tick 

Port’s past two wins have come from playing a high possession game style with players controlling the ball and excersising composure in decision making. 

With a focus on improved foot skills, and making sure the ball hits a target, it's certainly proved successful for the Magpies.

Port dominated possession, recording 82 more disposals than West and 11 more inside 50s.

However the game plan will be tested next week when the Magpies take on a clinical Woodville-West Torrens Eagles outfit which will punish sides on the rebound should a mistake be made.

 

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