Port forward momentum rolling

PORT Adelaide was not always convincing but kept within striking distance of the AFL’s top eight after booting North Melbourne out of the game early to win by 69 points at Blundstone Arena on Saturday.

The Power’s forward line was at its most impressive all season in an explosive six-goal opening term, with Mitch Georgiades and Todd Marshall nailing set shots to finish with two goals each.

Ollie Wines and Connor Rozee both had nine first-quarter possessions as Port’s midfield spread away from clearances too quickly for a North on-ball brigade which crucially lost Jy Simpkin to hamstring tightness before the game.

Luke Davies-Uniacke often had first hands on the ball at stoppages, finishing with 25 disposals and a game-high six centre clearances, but the Roos were constantly plagued by poor foot skills and gave the Power too many chances to kick uncontested into their forward 50.

Marshall and Georgiades each bagged three goals and Jeremy Finlayson slotted two, with the trio stretching North too thin without its defensive linchpin Ben McKay.

Cameron Zurhaar’s relentless efforts in attack were a shining light for the Roos, with the 23-year-old’s third goal cutting the margin to only 32 points at the final break.

Robbie Gray worked up into the midfield more than any other game this season and Port looked all the better for it.

The dynamic 34-year-old appears to have overcome hamstring and knee issues and played a key role as the Power burst away from North in the first quarter, amassing seven disposals at 100 per cent efficiency.

Along with Connor Rozee, Gray’s explosive spread from stoppages often saw him completely unmarked on the outside.

The trio of Marshall, Georgiades and Jeremy Finlayson are starting to gel nicely, posing a problem for key forward Charlie Dixon who is looking to return from injury.