Port Adelaide are 2-0 through two games in 2024 after taking care of Richmond at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers led at half-time by 11 points but the Power put their foot down in the third term to regain ascendancy and they’d go on to prevail 13.14 (92) to 18.14 (122).
Port Adelaide were led by superstar midfielder Zak Butters who was the catalyst behind his side’s turnaround, and he was well supported by the likes of Kane Farrell, Connor Rozee and Willem Drew.
For the Tigers, Liam Baker was terrific as Tim Taranto got back to some of his best form. Toby Nankervis also won the battle in the ruck against former teammate Ivan Soldo who played off against his old club for the first time.
The Power will hope to remain unbeaten when they host Melbourne next Saturday at the Adelaide Oval while the 0-3 Tigers will hope to pick up their first win on Easter Sunday against Sydney at the SCG.
Our player ratings:
Richmond
Liam Baker: A+
Kicked a couple of big goals to bring Richmond back into it late in the third term. Tried all day and always impacted when he got his chance. Finished with three goals and 23 touches.
Shai Bolton: A
Was dangerous and exciting whenever he got his hands on it. Finished with 22 disposals and two goals, would have been a monster game if he kicked straight.
Tim Taranto: A
Found plenty of footy and also pushed forward for a goal. His best game this year after a quiet start to the season.
Toby Nankervis: B+
Was great around the ground getting plenty of footy and drew level with Soldo in terms of ruck contests.
Daniel Rioli: B+
Offered plenty of run and carry off half back.
Jack Ross: B+
Spent a lot of time on ball and was solid throughout as he collected more than enough footy.
Rhyan Mansell: B+
Kicked a couple of nice goals.
Jayden Short: B+
Typical short performance, had plenty of footy and racked 573 metres gained.
Nick Vlaustin: B
Noah Balta: B-
Dustin Martin: B-
Had a few nice moments but didn’t hit the scoreboard or impact as much as he would have liked.
Seth Campbell: C+
Marlion Pickett: C
Kicked a goal but was quiet.
Dylan Grimes: C
Did a few nice things defensively but had his hands full playing predominantly on Todd Marshall.
Tom Brown: C+
James Trezise: C+
Kamdyn McIntosh: C
Ben Miller: C
Thomson Dow: C
Mykelti Lefau: D+
Was meant to be the sub and probably would have suited better as an impact player in his debut game.
Tom Lynch: D
Kicked an early goal but was well held by Zerk-Thatcher.
Sam Banks: D
Was subbed off with five touches to his name at three-quarter time.
Judson Clarke: N/A
Was a very late inclusion and was subbed on at three-quarter time for Sam Banks.
Port Adelaide
Zak Butters: A
Turned the game in the third quarter where he was everywhere. The superstar player finished up with a goal and 34 disposals.
Kane Farrell: A
Used the ball well and drove his team forward, particularly early on. Finished with a huge 596 metres gained as the Power looked to get the ball into his hands.
Todd Marshall: A
The dominant key forward in the game finishing with four goals and nine marks. Was one of the key reasons behind his side’s turnaround.
Ollie Wines: A
Looks back to near his best after a down 2023 campaign. Had plenty of it and picked up a huge 10 clearances.
Connor Rozee: A
Very solid game from Rozee who finished with 28 disposals.
Willem Drew: B+
A bull at the contest. Drew got his hands dirty with 27 disposals to allow guys like Butters to flourish.
Dan Houston: B+
Typical performance from one of the best half-backs in the league as the Power also looked to get the footy into his hands.
Jeremy Finlayson: B+
Kicked three goals and threatened whenever the ball was in his area.
Darcy Byrne-Jones: B+
Finished with three goals and looked dangerous all day as a small forward.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher: B+
Didn’t get a heap of it himself but did well to nullify the influence of Tom Lynch.
Miles Bergman: B
Good defensive performance and even pushed forward to kick a goal. Always ticks the box.
Ryan Burton: B-
Francis Evans: B-
Charlie Dixon: B-
Didn’t kick straight but presented well all day and fulfilled his role.
Jackson Mead: C+
Aliir Aliir: C+
Jase Burgoyne: C+
Ivan Soldo: C
Did well with his ruck craft but didn’t feature much around the ground in his second game for the club.
Travis Boak: C
Had 15 touches in his 350th game but wasn’t at his best.
Esava Ratugola: C
Decent defensively but didn’t impact offensively.
Willie Rioli: C-
Lachie Jones: C-
Was subbed out after being quiet in the third term.
Dylan Williams: N/A
Subbed on for Lachie Jones during the third term.
