A young and electric Port Adelaide side has upset Melbourne at the MCG in what was an odd game of footy.
The Demons got off to a flying start before the Power took control of the game in the second quarter. Melbourne looked as though they were going to push away again in the third, but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities.
The Dees were kept scoreless in the final term, while Port Adelaide’s inaccuracy the only thing that cost them what could’ve been a five-goal win.
Nathan Jones dropping an uncontested chest mark inside 50 summed up the afternoon.
😳😳😳😳#AFLDeesPower pic.twitter.com/ssx9BQyAxm
— AFL (@AFL) March 23, 2019
The Star: Justin Westhoff
Justin Westhoff won Port Adelaide’s best and fairest last year and currently holds the record for most consecutive games played in the AFL. Is he somehow still underrated?
He had a career best year in 2018 and looked as good as ever against the Dees.
The 32-year-old has played every position under the sun, but as a deep forward, he kicked five goals and took six marks, which was the difference between the two teams.
The Young Guns: Power young blood sparks side early
Port Adelaide’s quartet of debutants helped turn the game around in the first term when the Dees looked to be gaining control of the game.
Zak Buttes kicked two goals and gathered __ disposals and provided a tonne of pace alongside Xavier Duursma who also kicked a goal.
Connor Rozee ran out of puff a bit, but showed great poise and will have Power fans very excited. William Drew picked up __ disposals and used the ball brilliantly.
Expect these four to hold their spots and provide an energy Port lacked late last year.
Zak Butters runs down the guts and kicks his first goal in footy! #AFLDeesPower pic.twitter.com/vh81uTv0Yg
— AFL (@AFL) March 23, 2019
What’s next?
Melbourne travels down the highway to take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. They met the Cats twice during the home and away season, producing two thrilling contests. Max Gawn was comprehensively beaten by Scott Lycett too and will be looking to turn things around.
The Power meanwhile play their first game at Adelaide Oval when they take on Carlton on Saturday afternoon.
Full Score
Melbourne: 4.3, 6.5, 9.7, 9.7. (61)
Port Adelaide: 2.4, 6.8, 10.9, 12.15. (87)
GOALS
Melbourne: Melksham 2, Brayshaw, Petracca, Weideman, Fritsch, Jones, McDonald, Sparrow
Port Adelaide: Westhoff 5, Butters 2, Gray, Boak, Duursma, Marshall, Ebert
BEST
Melbourne: Salem, Brayshaw, Harmes, Melksham, Oliver
Port Adelaide: Westhoff, Rockliff, Boak, Gray, Amon, Burton, Watts
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil