On Saturday, Port Adelaide took a big step towards that milestone by defeating Greater Western Sydney (GWS) by 16 points. Adding that victory brought their overall season record to 5-7. The win snapped a four-game losing streak. It was a chance to highlight what most observers agree was the team’s best effort of the season.
In a match of high stakes Port Adelaide’s players showed courage, poise and class. They initially led by two points at quarter-time and continued to build momentum, entering the final change with a seven-point advantage. Ken Hinkley’s tactical coaching had orchestrated this David vs Goliath upset win. His on-field approach energized the team’s spirits for the remainder of the season.
Zak Butters quickly became Port Adelaide’s straw that stirs the drink, and well, we all saw how that turned out. He amassed 32 disposals, a career-high 12 clearances and an eye-popping 20 contested possessions! His electric and intimidating presence on the field was matched by Willie Rioli, who put his impenetrably diamond-encrusted imprint all over the match.
“I love that man, I text him every day,” – Zak Butters
Kane Farrell, Esava Ratugolea and Miles Bergman ran themselves ragged defensively. Their work at ground level especially helped Port Adelaide’s centre clearances and overall midfield dominance. Their defensive efforts were particularly important as GWS fought valiantly to come back into the game, with the lead changing several times.
Along with Butters and Rioli, Port’s Connor Rozee stood out with 690 metres gained from 28 disposals. Fun fact– Cristian Moraes scored his first AFL goal in the last game. At the other end, Ollie Wines doubled the team’s advantage on 15 minutes with a second of the match from a set piece.
Or so it seemed, because Joe Richards promptly knocked Port Adelaide out with the decisive blow. His bold move ensured victory and left GWS no time to react. The eventual final score reflected just how fierce the clash of the titans would be. It underscored Port Adelaide’s intense hunger to ensure their season continued.
Ken Hinkley remained confident in his side’s capacity to recover from a difficult few weeks.
“I got a decent break coming, so I didn’t need too much,” – Ken Hinkley
Following this victory, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Port Adelaide will leverage this momentum moving forward. The victory is a big shot in the arm for the team. In doing so, it places a spotlight on their future prospects as they continue to navigate the 2020 season.
