Australian Football

Match Report

The back streets of the Port at the Alberton Oval was where the Magpies hosted the Bulldogs. The Dogs season hangs by a thread and a slip up could put a serious dent in their finals aspirations and while the Magpies had a three-point lead on the ladder above them in fifth, a loss would put serious pressure on them especially when the Panthers and the Bloods are ahead. Port just escaped the Dogs at Elizabeth in their last meeting, an eight-point win back in Round 9.

An uncharacteristic absence of fans greeted the two sides; historically these matches have seen many Centrals fans make the trip to Alberton even during their years off the pace. Port jumped away early to bag 3.1, but the Dogs' pair of goals in time-on with their two behinds would see the 'Pies up by just five points at the first change. The Magpies' second term was far better, kicking 5.1 to the Doggies' 3.1 to extend their advantage to 17 points going into the half-time break. Physicality by the Dogs has never been a problem for them, only scoreboard pressure seems to have eluded the former powerhouse of the league. Over-possession in their attacking zone and no dominant forward has hurt the Dogs in 2015. The visitors did manage to chip some points off the Magpies' lead when play resumed, kicking 4.3 to the Pie's 3.1 as the gap was reduced to nine points at three quarter-time. But even though the Magpies found it difficult at their end, the Dogs wouldn't find the big sticks again as the home side managed 1.4 to two behinds as Port leaped into fourth on the ladder with a 17-point victory.

Steven Summerton was named best for the Magpies, the Bulldogs naming Luke Habel as their best.