Power’s polish proves too good

PORT Adelaide has responded to a humbling loss with a commanding win over arch-rivals Adelaide, taking the lead in the Showdown ledger after claiming its 25th win over the Crows.

In a tough and often fiery Showdown, the Crows showed great spirit and determination throughout the game, but the Power’s class and polish proved too much.

Port Adelaide ran out 49point winners, 12.15 (87) to 5.8 (38).

There were no late changes for either side, with Martin Frederick (Port Adelaide) and Andrew McPherson (Adelaide) named the medical subs.

Port Adelaide big man Charlie Dixon opened the scoring with his 11th goal of the season before Adelaide responded through Jimmy Rowe, who converted a setshot and celebrated wildly to bring Crows fans to their feet.

Power ruckman Scott Lycett is almost certain to face MRO scrutiny after a dangerous tackle on Ned McHenry that forced the young Crow to come from the field and eventually be subbed out for Andrew McPherson.

“He’s no good, McHenry. He might be gone,” Crows legend Mark Ricciuto told Fox Footy.

“He might be having a couple of weeks or so off, Scott Lycett,” Dees champion Garry

Lyon told Fox Footy.

McHenry wasn’t the only injury concern for the Crows in the first term, with Lachie Murphy helped off the ground after landing awkwardly on his ankle.

There was also some concern over Power star Travis Boak after hurting his knee, but he came back onto the ground.

“There’s carnage already,” Lyon said.

Dixon won a free kick close to goal late in the quarter then kicked his second goal to give Port a handy 10-point lead at the first change.

The intensity of the game went up a notch in the second term, with Adelaide matching Port at the contest and pushing the ball inside 50 more often.

Midway through the second term, both teams had a Champion Data pressure rating of 217 – rated elite.

“It’s a hot game of footy,” Lyon said.

Adelaide had 17 inside 50s to Port Adelaide’s 11 in the second term, but could only manage 0.2 for the quarter.

Ultimately the Power’s class ensured they made the most of their opportunities, with Todd Marshall and Willem Drew kicking goals to extend the Power’s lead.

“They’re getting overwhelmed, the Adelaide Crows,” triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy.