Port Adelaide is through to a preliminary final after beating Geelong by 16 points at Adelaide Oval.
In a tight and tense qualifying final, the Power put in a determined performance that was enough to seal a first finals win since 2014.
The minor premiers led for most of the night and were able to withstand any challenge thrown at them, helped by some accurate goalkicking that ultimately proved the difference.
“What a performance,” Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes told AFL Nation.
“They’ve come of age tonight. Port Adelaide are the real deal.”
The Cats finished with four more scoring shots and dominated the second quarter, but were wasteful in front of goal with Coleman Medallist Tom Hawkins kicking five behinds and one on the full.
Geelong’s poor finals record under Chris Scott has continued – it’s now 12 losses in their last 16 finals and one qualifying final win since their last premiership in 2011.
Chris Scott is not happy with umpire Ray Chamberlain. 👀#AFLFinals #AFLPowerCats
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) October 1, 2020
pic.twitter.com/CbWyi2mI7y
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Game Winner: Steven Motlop
Steven Motlop came back to haunt his former club in a big way.
Motlop was the gamebreaker for Port Adelaide finishing with three goals in a low-scoring match.
The enigmatic talent can be hot and cold with his output but he showed up in the Power’s biggest game of the season.
Ollie Wines was also super impressive for the winners with 24 disposals and five tackles.
Steve Motlop has three against his former club! ⚡️#AFLFinals #AFLPowerCats
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) October 1, 2020
pic.twitter.com/YFxuxrHbLH
What’s next?
Port Adelaide will now host a preliminary final at Adelaide Oval in two weeks’ time, while Geelong must dust themselves off and prepare for a semi-final against either West Coast or Collingwood.
FULL SCORE
Port Adelaide: 2.1, 4.2, 7.4, 9.4 (58)
Geelong: 1.4, 3.7, 4.8, 5.12 (42)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Motlop 3, Ebert 2, Dixon, Rozee, Ladhams, Marshall
Geelong: Stanley 2, Tuohy, Selwood, Dangerfield
BEST
Port Adelaide: Wines, Powell-Pepper, Motlop, Ebert, Butters, Hartlett
Geelong: Dangerfield, Selwood, Taylor, Duncan, Guthrie
Reports: Nil
Injuries
Port Adelaide: Marshall (shoulder), Duursma (concussion)
Geelong: Selwood (finger)