Port Adelaide has claimed another scalp to extend their win streak, taking down Richmond by 10 points at the MCG.
The Power came out of the gates firing, booting five majors to the Tigers’ one in the opening term to give themselves a hefty lead in the early stages.
While Richmond did boot the opening goal of the match, the post-Hardwick era looked to have an inauspicious start as the Tigers looked hapless throughout the remainder of the first quarter.
Ollie Wines snaps truly.#AFLTigersPower | #AFLDeadly pic.twitter.com/CTfe3hyG8J
— AFL (@AFL) May 28, 2023
However, caretaker coach Andrew McQualter was clearly able to inspire something in the Tigers, as his men looked a completely different side in the middle two terms.
Richmond‘s pressure was relentless in the second quarter, completely stifling the Power as they booted just five behinds for the whole term.
Yet the Tigers’ inaccuracy in front of goal saw them unable to meaningfully close the margin, kicking 2.7 for the quarter.
The third term saw the two sides wrestle for control, with Port Adelaide managing to ease open Richmond’s high-intensity defence, yet not quite enough to break the game open.
The stage was set for a dramatic final term as the rain arrived with both sides firing on all cylinders, however the Power quickly took control as they have done so many times this season with the game on the line.
Port kicked three goals for the term but maintained the lion’s share of possession, trapping the ball in their front half and preventing the Tigers from attacking until the game was essentially over.
The duo of Zak Butters and Connor Rozee was as effective as ever in the clash, combining for 59 disposals between them as they looked unbothered by the slippery conditions.
Most impressive was the Power’s ability to adjust to missing key pieces in their attack, with the 10 goals they kicked for the day coming from 10 different players.
Despite coming in a losing effort, this clash saw Tim Taranto put together his best performance of his time in the yellow and black.
Tim Taranto on target 🎯#AFLTigersPower | #AFLDeadly pic.twitter.com/xFMWWMjOAj
— AFL (@AFL) May 28, 2023
The star midfielder paired 33 disposals with an equal career-high four goals, dominating stretches as he stood out as best on ground.
The Power will now look ahead to next week’s clash against the Hawks, with the stage set for Port to stretch their win streak to a club record of nine in front of their home fans.
On the other hand, Richmond will now head interstate, taking on the Giants as they look to notch their first win under Andrew McQualter.
FULL SCORE
Richmond: 1.3, 3.10, 6.12, 9.13 (67)
Port Adelaide: 5.4, 5.9, 7.14, 10.17 (77)
GOALS
Richmond: Taranto 4, Martin 2, Bolton, Clarke, Ryan
Port Adelaide: Byrne-Jones, Finlayson, Burton, Drew, Horne-Francis, Lord, Butters, McEntee, Mead, Wines
BEST
Richmond: Taranto, Bolton, Short, Broad, Martin
Port Adelaide: Rozee, Butters, Farrell, Aliir, Houston
INJURIES
Richmond: N/A
Port Adelaide: N/A
CROWD 30,357 @ MCG