|
|
|
28th Apr 2012
Photo by Peter Moschos
Magpies scratched by Panthers
By Matt Agius
Port Adelaide has gone down to South Adelaide by 21 points in a tight and often heated contest at Noarlunga.
Needing a win to elevate from eighth on the ladder, Port Adelaide drew first blood against the Panthers with a goal to Ryan McKenzie.
South Adelaide’s intensity was at a high level and prolific power forwards Andrew Ainger and Michael Wundke wreaking havoc through Port Adelaide’s defence.
As is often the case in football, the little things failed to go the way of the Magpies, with several kicks falling frustratingly short of goal.
Port Adelaide was unable to build momentum, despite the lead changing hands seven times throughout the course of the game – the usage of the football by the Magpies was nowhere near as effective compared to the solid run-and-carry of the Panthers midfield, which delivered strongly to Wundke and Ainger time after time.
Unable to convert its inside 50s, late game decision-making errors in front of goals deprived the Magpies at the knife edge of the final term.
Brett Ebert staked a claim for AFL selection with Port Adelaide’s first tier side, booting 5.1 and providing a solid presence right across the ground with a number of strong supportive efforts for his fellow Magpies.
Adam Cockshell also proved pivotal for Port Adelaide with four goals against his old side.
Port Adelaide still sits eighth on the ladder with games against West Adelaide and North Adelaide to come – must win battles if the Magpies are to maintain any chance of a finals berth in 2012.
Port Adelaide 17.14 (116) def by
South Adelaide 21.10 (136)
Goals: Ebert 5, Cockshell 4, Gray, Summerton 2, Clayton, Grove, McKenzie, Meiklejohn.
Best: Ebert, Dolling, Cockshell, Meiklejohn, McKenzie.
Reports: J Young (reported in the first quarter for head high contact)
| |
|
|
