Port Adelaide couldn’t get the job done against West Adelaide in the annual Russell Ebert Tribute Match, losing a thriller by four points. 

The game was heavily contested with six lead changes in the second half, however, the Magpies just couldn’t hold on as the Bloods stormed home with the last three goals to snatch the victory.

Port Adelaide went down in a nail-biter at Waikerie. Image: Loukas Founten.

Travelling up to Waikerie on a beautiful sunny day, Port Adelaide started well and controlled most of the game, dominating the second quarter especially. Hamish Hartlett’s side had a 21-point lead in the second term – the largest lead of the game - but couldn’t put West Adelaide away. 

Port responded to conceding the first goal of the final quarter by kicking the next three majors, pulling away before the Bloods took their chances and capitalised on the inconsistencies of the Magpies’ game to take control of the final 10 minutes and hold on for the win.

Midfielder Murphy Short had 15 touches, four tackles and four clearances. Image: Loukas Founten.

Despite once again dominating the hitouts courtesy of Jordon Sweet (38 hitouts, 19 disposals and two goals), midfielders Quinton Narkle and Francis Evans had to compensate for the disconnect between the forwards and midfielders, kicking two goals each in an impressive outing praised by Hartlett.

But he lamented the close loss and recognised lapses in pressure contributing to the result. 

“We were okay around the ball… but [West Adelaide] kept their pressure up until the final siren,” he said, mentioning the consistency of team defence wasn’t at the level it needed to be. A knee injury to defender Miller Carter, and Trent McKenzie being forced from the field late under the blood rule, also hurt the Magpies.

Jordon Sweet was dominant in the ruck with 38 hitouts, 19 disposals and two goals. image: Loukas Founten.

Experienced defender Tom Clurey started the game on the wing and crept forward for a goal, before being moved to the backline in the second half to add some poise and fill the void caused by Carter’s absence. Hartlett was proud of Clurey’s 18 disposals, one goal and seven marks, stating “he was fantastic… and a really solid contributor”.

Hartlett touched on the meaning of the Russell Ebert Tribute Match and the experience of travelling up to the Riverland, while also ruing the loss of the first matchup between him and his brother, West Adelaide coach Adam Hartlett. 

Quinton Narkle (two goals, 20 disposals) was praised by coach Hamish Hartlett following the game. Image: Loukas Founten.

 “I wasn’t too nervous [in the week] … but unfortunately for us, [the win] fell onto Adam’s side of the ledger”, said Hartlett.

West Adelaide’s Kobe Ryan was awarded the Russell Ebert Medal as best on ground for his 28-disposal game.

Port Adelaide will be looking for its first win for the SANFL season against Woodville West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval next Sunday from 2:10pm.

SCOREBOARD
Port Adelaide: 2.4  5.8  8.10  11.13  (79)
West Adelaide: 2.2  4.5  8.6  12.11  (83)

Goals: Evans, Sweet, Narkle 2, Scully, Chamberlain, Charleson, Clurey, Sinn.
Best: McKenzie, Evans, Clurey, Narkle, Sinn.