Australian Football

Match Report

Onto the fourth match for the day and now we head over to the port of Adelaide and into the Alberton Oval for the meeting between the original rivals in the Magpies and the Redlegs. The Magpies went down in both outings last season against their old-time enemies from the east side, the Redlegs winning at home in Round 3 by 16 points at The Parade, follwed by a three-goal win at Alberton in Round 11. The Magpies opening term at Norwood was the difference maker, down by 21 points at half-time and held at arms length for the rest of the match. Then at Queen Street, it was the cleaner Redlegs that took out the 'Pies, missing only four of their 19 scoring shots compared to Port's 10 from 21. The Magpies finally banked premiership points last week in their trip to Loxton against the Bloods, while the Redlegs have still not done so themselves with the Tigers continuing their pain. As said above, it looks as though the rivalry between these sides is definitely not what it used to be, a paltry 1,500 people coming out to watch as

the Magpies spray a few chances to pile it on in the opening term. They kicked 2.5 to the Redlegs' 2.3 to lead by just two points at quarter-time. The second quarter was pretty much all Port, but the Redlegs backs must have put up a gallant struggle to keep the 'Pies to just 2.3. Their forwards didn't find the big sticks at the other end though, only managing two behinds as the deficit was now out to 15 points going into the changerooms at the half-time break. A number of Port's AFL prospects were keen to get the attention of the Power coaching panel today, with some impressive youngsters getting in on some action. Norwood seemed to spring to life when play resumed in the third term, managing to outscore the Magpies 3.1 to 1.1 as the gap was once more back to just a single straight shot. That single Port goal deep into added time allowed the home side to be in front at the final change, a gap of three points. The Redlegs once again kicked into the lead after 12 minutes in the final term, but again the goal-shooting department was missing their mark and minutes later the Magpies had the lead again and this time didn't surrender it. Port would take out the chocolates in the end, kicking 3.1 to 2.3 to post a seven-point win. The young brigade I spoke of? The standout for Port was one Hugh Jackson, who notched up 23 disposals, 10 tackles and five clearances. Nik Rokahr was best for the Redlegs, with 24 disposals, eight tackles and seven clearances.