Watch highlights of the Power's victory over the Demons above. Can't see the video? Watch on YouTube.
IT was tough, it was gruelling, but Port Adelaide took home the points on Saturday night when it defeated Melbourne in a hot, humid and slippery game at Darwin’s TIO Stadium.
End Game
Port Adelaide was the more skilful team on the night in a game where the ball was tough to mark, kick and handball. With significant numbers on the field wearing gloves and sweatbands, the conditions in Darwin played into the game like a third opponent which made it a constant challenge to handle the football and allowed defenders to pile the pressure on the possession-getters.
For the Power, the win was its fifth for 2012, its first against Melbourne in the Top End and secured it fourteenth spot on the ladder. Paul Stewart was impressive with five goals whilst Travis Boak and Dom Cassisi led for the Power across the ground all night.
The Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) def
Melbourne 8.8 (56)
Best: Boak, P. Stewart, Brad Ebert, Cassisi, Westhoff?
Goals: P. Stewart 5, Brett Ebert, Boak, Lobbe, Broadbent, D. Stewart, Young, Wingard
Leader board
Disposals leader: Domenic Cassisi (30)
Marks leader: Brett Ebert (8)
Tackles leader: Domenic Cassisi (5)
Clearances leader: Travis Boak (9)
Hitouts leader: Matthew Lobbe (18)
Scores leader: Paul Stewart (30 points)
Dreamteam leader: Domenic Cassisi (97 points)
Headlines
Primus Hails Pittard Courage
PTV: Rehn post-match
Analysis
The Power struggled early in the game with tall forward Daniel Stewart missing two set shots before Paul Stewart bagged his first for the night. Melbourne got a run-on at their end however, and went into the first change with a five goal lead to Port Adelaide’s 2.5. Despite its inaccuracy in the first term, the Power steadied and booted ten majors in tough conditions across the next three quarters and constrained Melbourne to just three more.
The win came on the back of on-field leadership oozing from returning captain Dom Cassisi and deputy Travis Boak - the pair leading the key stats and winning the football all night with strong, ground level efforts.
Paul Stewart’s performance in front of goal (his five-straight a personal best during his playing career) coupled with some solid defensive and midfield rebound from Justin Westhoff were highlights for the night.
Next Game
Port Adelaide returns to Adelaide on Monday to prepare for next Sunday’s clash against Fremantle. The Power went down to Fremantle in Perth earlier in the year but with some hopeful injury returns and recent improvements in key areas, should push the Dockers all the way at AAMI Stadium. Port will follow that game up against AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney Giants at the newly built Skoda Stadium.
Analysis
The Power struggled early in the game with tall forward Daniel Stewart missing two set shots before Paul Stewart bagged his first for the night. Melbourne got a run-on at their end however, and went into the first change with a five goal lead to Port Adelaide’s 2.5. Despite its inaccuracy in the first term, the Power steadied and booted ten majors in tough conditions across the next three quarters and constrained Melbourne to just three more.
The win came on the back of on-field leadership oozing from returning captain Dom Cassisi and deputy Travis Boak - the pair leading the key stats and winning the football all night with strong, ground level efforts.
Paul Stewart’s performance in front of goal (his five-straight a personal best during his playing career) coupled with some solid defensive and midfield rebound from Justin Westhoff were highlights for the night.
Next Game
Port Adelaide returns to Adelaide on Monday to prepare for next Sunday’s clash against Fremantle. The Power went down to Fremantle in Perth earlier in the year but with some hopeful injury returns and recent improvements in key areas, should push the Dockers all the way at AAMI Stadium. Port will follow that game up against AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney Giants at the newly built Skoda Stadium.
Injury list
Jasper Pittard was taken from the ground with suspected rib damage after he collided with teammate Chad Wingard in a marking contest. He has been taken to hospital but tweeter during the night that his condition had improved:
Jasper Pittard @jpittard29
Thanks to everyone for the messages, much appreciated. In the hospital bed, feeling a lot better, hope the boys push on for a good win!
Coming Up
Sunday 29 July, 12.40pm (CST)
Port Adelaide v Fremantle
AAMI Stadium, South Australia
Thanks to everyone for the messages, much appreciated. In the hospital bed, feeling a lot better, hope the boys push on for a good win!
Coming Up
Sunday 29 July, 12.40pm (CST)
Port Adelaide v Fremantle
AAMI Stadium, South Australia
