Australian Football

Match Report

It was mini-Showdown time at Alberton Oval on sSaturday as the Magpies fronted up against the Crows. The first SANFL-level stoush between these two sides drew big numbers at the Clare Oval as the Magpies left the mid-north town with a 45-point win, this time around a little over 6,000 people turned out in addition to the audience watching on Seven. Port took to the field in a jumper reminiscent of the 1914 'invincibles' side that conquered the SA competition and later defeated VFL premiers Carlton for the Australian title. Ironically, while big brother Power was playing the Blues at Adelaide Oval they were denied the same privilege with the AFL hierarchy voting against them... so much for equality and agreements.

But anyways, the Magpies started off best when things kicked off, despite some inaccuracy they went into the first change with a 15-point lead after kicking 3.5 to the Crows' 1.2. The Magpies' inaccuracy started to really take hold going into the second quarter, the Crows finding more of the big sticks but not able to chip anything off the deficit. Port's 2.5 to the Crows' 3.3 saw the half-time gap set at 17 points. The home side finally put the foot down when play resumed, leaving the Crows in their wake as they raced off to a 47-point game-breaking lead by three quarter-time, after scoring 6.3 to 1.3. The final quarter was just a formality, Adelaide unable to muster anything more to add respectability to their score. They kicked 2.4 to the Magpies' 3.3, the home side taking out a 52-point win. 

Andrew Moore was named best for Port, while the Crows named Ben Rutten as their best.