PORT ADELAIDE defeated the Western Bulldogs by 10 points in its final Marsh Community Series hit-out before its round 1 clash with Gold Coast on Saturday 21 March at Metricon Stadium.

The Power came from as many as 20 points down in the final quarter, and in front of a healthy crowd at the redeveloped Bennett Oval in Whyalla, defender Jarrod Lienert sealed victory with two late goals.

Here are the talking points from Port’s final pre-season victory:

Port’s solid pre-season campaign:

Port Adelaide made it three from three in the pre-season to take some confidence heading into the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

With a tricky breeze hovering around Whyalla’s Bennett Oval, the Power had to come from behind on multiple occasions before eventually outlasting the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.

The home side had previously beaten Brisbane by 21 points in Queensland and then defeated the Crows by six points in an under 23 match..

Power have a deep and resilient playing group:

With nine minutes to go in the final term, Port found themselves chasing a 20-point deficit on the scoreboard.

The Power held the wind advantage but couldn't capitalise early in the term and when Sam Lloyd wobbled one home against the breeze the Bulldogs almost looked home.

However, Port soon turned the tide to kick the final five goals of the game and run out 10-point winners in a memorable turnaround.

Post game, senior coach Ken Hinkley was full of praise for his team, declaring "great resilience by the boys,” was the key to securing the win.

Lienert the hero in Whyalla:

Defender Jarrod Lienert became an unlikely goal-kicking hero on Saturday afternoon after being introduced into the contest in the final term.

Lienert soccered a goal from the square to give the Power back the lead, before marking prior to the final siren and roosting long to hand the home side a 10-point victory.

Minor injuries to two Power big men:

Scott Lycett and Charlie Dixon were both taken from the Bennett Oval in the Power’s final pre-season hit-out, but Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley didn’t seem overly concerned post game.

Hinkley assured the club would take a no-risk policy with the two big men heading into round 1, but he expected both players to be fit and firing with more than a week’s rest before taking on the Suns.

Dan Houston also received a head knock as a result of a sling tackle and was managed after half time.