Australian Football

Match Report

In the final game for the weekend, the action was on Sunday afternoon where the Roosters faced the Magpies at Prospect Oval. Port Adelaide hadn't won at Menzies Crescent for five years, a streak that was brought to an end in Round 16 this year after the Magpies took a 45-point win. Before that, the Magpies managed to hold on against the Roosters at Alberton in Round 8 when they won by 10 points. With their grip on fourth position somewhat tenuous and the heroes of the 71/72 premiership years in attendance, the Roosters were under the spotlight.

Inaccuracy plagued their opening term, but were ahead by five points at the first change after kicking 2.7 to Port's 2.2. The Magpies brought the gap back to a single score by half-time, they scored 4.1 to 3.3 in the second quarter as North's lead was cut down to one point. The Roosters would then respond at the restart of proceedings, their third quarter efforts far more pin-point as they banged on 6.1 to 1.1 to break open the gap to 31 points by the final change. The Magpies' final charge on the Roosters was one too loaded with inaccuracy to really keep pace with the home side, a wasteful 2.4 to 2.1 giving North a 28-point win and a firmer grip on their fourth spot. But with two final round matches away from home - including a northern derby with Centrals - loom large and the Eagles could still potentially nick that Elimination Final spot.

Michael Clinch was named best for the Roosters, while Justin Hoskin was named best for Port.