Port keep finals aspirations alive

Port Adelaide   81 defeated Brisbane Lions   51

Port Adelaide have celebrated Michael Wilson’s 150th AFL game in style, recording a hard-fought 30 point victory over Brisbane at the Gabba tonight.

The match was a scrappy one, with Port in control for the better part of the game but un-able to kill the Lions off as bad kicking for goal cost the Power from winning by a higher margin.

For the victors, Shaun Burgoyne (30 disposals) and Chad Cornes (26 disposals, 12 marks) were terrific, whilst Warren Tredrea and Kane Cornes were also extremely valuable contributors.

Brisbane were well led by skipper Michael Voss (35 disposals) and Tim Notting (22 disposals, 9 marks) but it was to no avail as Port celebrated a fantastic win.

Both sides needed to win to keep their finals hopes alive – Brisbane to cement their top 8 spot, and Port – to keep themselves in the hunt. Both teams also had further incentive to win, as for Brisbane Brad Scott was playing his 150th game whilst for Port Michael Wilson was also playing his 150th AFL game.

Scott, after crossing from Hawthorn has made a big impact up in the sunshine state and alongside his brother they form a dynamic duo off the half-back line.

Wilson, a player who has been with Port since their inception has fought back from adversity has had to endure 2 knee reconstructions, but has bounced back with brilliance.

In a replay of the 2004 Grand Final, the first term belonged to the visitors as they heaped pressure on the Lions forcing them into several crucial errors. It took 7 minutes for the first goal to come, when Chad Cornes gave the Power the perfect start. Cornes’ goal gave the Power some momentum and they quickly rammed on another 2 goals to extend their margin to 21 points.

With just 3 minutes remaining in the term, the Lions were scoreless but 2 running goals to midfielders Sherman and Voss ignited the hosts into action. But a late goal to the Power broke the back of the Lions, as Josh Mahoney goaled as the siren sounded to extend the lead to 16 points at the first change.

After coach Leigh Matthews pleaded with his charges to give more of an effort, the Lions responded in the perfect way with 3 goals in the first 4 minutes, to snatch the lead of the Power. Ashley McGrath instigated the run of goals with his brilliant chase of Michael Wilson, which led to a free kick and goal. However the Power wouldn’t lie down and persisted for long periods of time, as the finished off the quarter with 3 goals and the margin was the same at half time, as it was at quarter time – 16 points.

The third term was rather dull in front of the goal mouth, but both sides threw everything at each other in an attempt to grab a finals place for season 2005. Chris Johnson was moved into the forward line to start the term and grabbed an early goal as he tried to motivate the Lions.

Then Port stood up and controlled most of the third term, with the remaining 2 goals but they should have had more. 2 posters from Warren Tredrea and a relatively easy miss from Chad Cornes, stopped the Power furthering their lead. At the final change, the visitors held a 23 point lead.

The last term was un-eventful as the match petered out with the Power outscoring the Lions 2 goals to 1. The win was invaluable for Port as they stay alive in season 2005, whilst the Lions are not assured a finals berth now.

Next week sees both sides play in crucial matches, the Lions travel to Melbourne to take on a injury depleted St Kilda at Telstra Dome on Saturday night, whilst the Power host Fremantle at AAMI Stadium also next Saturday night – with the winner to claim a place in the finals series.

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