Australian Football

Match Report

There was only one Saturday afternoon match for the long weekend, so we're heading north to the Playford Alive Oval in Elizabeth for the clash between the Bulldogs and the Magpies. Despite all of Port's firepower at hand last season, they had to outlast the Dogs who had a rather average 2014. In Round 9 at Alberton, the Magpies were 13-point winners. But then in Round 16, in what could have been considered one of the games of the season, the Bulldogs managed to nick the points in a match that contained 31 goals. The Magpies left Elizabeth with a three-point loss. Last week, the 'Pies were given a fright by an even more unlikely source -- the Tigers -- and on their home deck no less.

The Bulldogs were all over the Magpies early on, if not for inaccuracy they could have taken a more handy lead but kicked 3.5 to 2.1 to lead by 10 points at the first change. Some poor discipline crept into the Magpies' game in the second quarter, allowing the Dogs to kick 5.2 to Port's three goals. One Dogs' goal actually came immediately after one was scored due to an ill-timed Port infringement whilst the ball was in transit to the centre for the restart! But in what has been a nasty habit this year from the Bulldogs, their third quarter was going to let them down as the visitors held them to just two lousy behinds whilst bagging 5.2 for themselves to take over the lead. At the final change, it was a goal the difference for Port. A late challenge by the Dogs almost brought rewards, but the Magpies managed to keep the home side at bay long enough to take victory. Port's 3.4 to Centrals' 3.2 would give them an eight-point win.

Brendon Ah Chee was named best for Port, while the Bulldogs' captain Paul Thomas led by example for his best afield votes.