Bombers cut Power at Etihad graveyard

WHO said lightning doesn’t strike twice?

For the second consecutive season Port Adelaide has been beaten up by a rejuvenated — and far more intense — Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The AFL’s last unbeaten team crashed and burned yesterday, leaving coach Ken Hinkley searching for answers, despite starting the year with three straight wins.

Responding to a week of soul-searching after an embarrassing loss to the Western Bulldogs, the Bombers restructured their line-up — the big move was All-Australian backman Cale Hooker back to defence — and played with greater aggression as the Power’s poor recent record at the indoor venue continued.

Port’s 22-point loss — the margin flattered it — was its fifth in the past six games against Essendon at Etihad.

Blown apart early, the Power somehow managed to stay in the game until early in the final quarter with a goal from defender Darcy ByrneJones reducing the margin to 19 points.

But every time it threatened, Essendon kicked clear.

The Bombers had led by 40 points in time-on in the third quarter after former Bulldog Jake Stringer illustrated why Essendon wanted him, with a strong four-goal showing in his more customary spot in attack.

He had been trialled as a midfielder.

With Port badly missing All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder (Achilles tendinitis) in the ruck and forced to use defender Dougal Howard in the centre square, the Dons controlled the middle of the ground and won the ball at the source, allowing easy transition into attack. In contrast, the Power huffed and puffed all day, never finding its rhythm and making uncharacteristic mistakes.

Robbie Gray was outstanding with 39 disposals while Ollie Wines and Jared Polec were solid in the midfield and Tom Jonas kept Joe Daniher goalless for three quarters.

But Port had far too many players down.

Essendon, however, had good players all over the field, with All-Australian onballer Zach Merrett rediscovering his form. Captain Dyson Heppell led from the front with 31 disposals and Michael Hurley was impassable at centre half-back with 15 marks.