Australian Football

Match Report

In the inner west, the Bloods hosted the Magpies at the City Mazda Stadium in Richmond. These clubs last met in Round 7 at Alberton where the 'Pies downed the reigning premiers by 27 points in a match where the Bloods showed plenty of fight despite the scoreline. The Bloods' got a little respite from their premiership hangover with a pair of narrow wins but were brought down in harsh fashion by the Eagles last week, while the Magpies finally got back on the winners list with their victory at the Ponderosa.

Unfortunately for the Bloods faithful, it was back to full reality on their home deck; there was inaccuracy galore on both sides but Port managed to find more of the big sticks as they scored 4.4 to 1.5 in the first quarter to lead by 17 points at quarter-time. They doubled their scoreboard tally in the second term and widened the gap to six goals by the long break, adding a further 4.4 to West's lowly 1.3. The Magpies at this time were three games adrift of the top five and with the Bulldogs on the bye and with a somewhat favourable run home are an outside chance at nicking that fifth spot given the Dogs' current form. The third quarter was the only term that the Bloods outscored the visitors, but chipping two points off their half-time lead was hardly going to concern Port. West scored 4.3 to 4.1, the 'Pies lead down to 34 points at three quarter-time. The Magpies put the foot down in the final quarter, kicking 7.6 to 1.3 to take a 73-point win.

Sam Gray was named best for Port, while the Bloods named captain Chris Schmidt as their standout performer.