Port Adelaide advances with win over Subiaco By Henry Jones
Port Adelaide came from behind to win by 15 points against Subiaco on Saturday to advance through to the qualifying finals of the Foxtel Cup.
The Magpies made 8 changes to its line-up during the week and showed plenty of determination in a low scoring affair to ground out the win in the final quarter.
After a fast start to the opening term with goals to Cockshell and Gray in the opening ten minutes, Subiaco were able to stem the tide and limit the Magpies to three goals in the first half.
Inaccurate kicking plagued both teams and as a result Subiaco took a four point lead into the main break.
The stalemate continued for much of the second half until Port Adelaide broke the game apart in the final term.
Some individual efforts coupled with a defiant team performance ensured the Magpies kicked three goals in the final quarter to seal the win.
Senior coach Tony Bamford was impressed with the group’s resolve and their capacity to win after being unable to open any significant lead during the match.
“The fact that we could ground out a win when it wasn’t pretty footy was good,” he said.
“The ability for the boys to dig their heels in and scrap out a win was really pleasing.”
After battling hard during the first three quarters, Bamford indicated it was the result of some individual efforts that gave Port Adelaide the advantage in the final quarter.
“Coskshell in the ruck [was important] and Kirkwood continued his dominance around the stoppages,” he said.
“Luke Harder going forward and kicking that first goal got us off to a good start.”
Port Adelaide was able to unveil five debutants who all contributed to the hard fought victory in what was pleasing news for the Magpies. Bamford was impressed with all his first gamers but held particular praise for those who stood out throughout the day.
“Aseri Raikiwasa playing on their best tall forward who is a proven goal kicker in another state league ... was really pleasing,” he said.
“Brayden Deprinse showed some stuff in the ruck and was able to take contested marks around the ground so that was impressive.”
“Dan Stanley across half back was the second highest possession winner and set up a lot of play for us so that was good.”
In a sour note for Port Adelaide, Daniel Lees was stretched of in the final quarter and will get x-rays on his ankle.
Port Adelaide will now play Morningside in a qualifying final on the second of June and will resume in the local league next week against Norwood.
Match Result
Port Adelaide 2.3 3.4 4.7 7.9 (51)
Subiaco 1.2 4.3 5.5 5.6 (36)
