PIES POWER PAST PORT
Collingwood runs hot at MCG
PORT Adelaide’s AFL season is on life support while a topfour finish is within Collingwood’s reach after it stormed home yesterday afternoon to down the Power by 51 points at the MCG.
The Pies held a narrow lead at the final break before booting seven goals to one to run out 17.13 (115) to 10.4 (64) winners.
The thumping win lifts the Pies to third on the ladder and could be enough to secure a double-chance with lowly Fremantle awaiting in Round 23.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy starred with 41 hit-outs, 25 disposals and a goal, Mason Cox (eight marks) was imposing in the air and Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom and Chris Mayne were prolific ball-winners for the Pies.
The Power was again found wanting in a high-stakes game, squandering a promising start and managing just one goal after five minutes of the third quarter.
Port has now lost five of its past six games and while the Magpies continue to find a way despite a growing injury toll, Ken Hinkley’s men look illprepared for September.
The Power must beat Essendon at Adelaide Oval next Friday night and hope Melbourne lose both its remaining games to stand any chance of making the eight.
“It was really disappointing with so much of the game there to play for,” Hinkley said.
“Collingwood kept turning the heat up and we were unable to go with them at any stage in the last quarter.”
Port had the early ascendancy, restricting Scott Pendlebury and Sidebottom with hard tags, but the Pies turned the tables with the first three goals of the second quarter.
Off-contract Port wingman Jared Polec showed why rivals are queuing to secure his services, weaving through traffic and kicking truly from 40m to break Collingwood’s run.
But the Pies were dominating the midfield, led by Adams who had 16 disposals and a goal in a brilliant second quarter.