Port Flies High After Clipping Go-slow Pies

The Sunday Age

Sunday August 24, 2008

Michael Sharkie with Brad Beitzel

PORT MELBOURNE goes into the final round of the VFL home-and-away season knowing it has a top-three spot sewn up after a 66-point victory over Collingwood at home yesterday, 13.21 (99) to 4.9 (33).

Although missing full-back Luke Livingston with a minor hamstring injury, and losing key onballer David Spriggs, also to a hamstring injury, Port controlled the game from the outset, with Collingwood looking out of its depth by quarter-time.

Unable to match Port for firepower up forward, Collingwood tried to slow the match in the second term and succeeded, restricting Port's running game and stemming the flow of goals. While frustrating their opponents with their "chip and wait" game plan, the Magpies failed to convert possessions into scoring opportunities despite Sam Iles and Rhyce Shaw, who returned from injury in good form, getting plenty of the ball across the midfield.

Unable to reel in Port on the scoreboard, Collingwood eventually succumbed to the home side's constant pressure, with Port pouncing on turnovers and trying wherever possible to inject run into the game. David Pitt and Steven Brewer were excellent across the wings and half-back, giving Adrian Bonaddio and Robin Nahas plenty of chances to score.

"It was frustrating because of the way Collingwood decided to play, but I'm pleased with how we stuck to the task and came out with a good win," Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres said.

Instrumental in the victory and a revelation this season was onballer Chris Cain, who continually drove the ball forward from stoppages with Toby Pinwill. Cain, with 26 possessions and three goals, was a real livewire.

With Port missing some key players yesterday, including captain Luke Cotchett, who returns from four weeks on the sidelines in Port's reserves today, Ayres was delighted with the form of some fringe players going into the finals.

"Our list last year was quite thin, so we needed to develop our depth and I think we've done that really well," Ayres said. "We've played 36 this year and a lot of 18- and 19-year-olds, but importantly we've been able to cover key players when we've had injuries. Jarrod Dalton came in today and was great down back."

Geelong's premiership-winning AFL team is set to be bolstered, with Tom Hawkins dominating with six goals in the Cats' 20-points loss to the Northern Bullants. Hawkins impressed with 10 telling marks and was the most dominant figure on the Cats' forward line in his second game back from a foot injury.

Dasher David Wojcinski also returned from injury and got through the match unscathed.

The Bullants sealed their spot in the finals with Adam Hartlett and Ryan Jackson in dynamic form.

In other games yesterday, Werribee snatched fourth spot from Casey with a 66-point win over Bendigo. Spearhead James Podsiadly took top spot for the Jim "Frosty" Miller Medal with seven goals, while fellow key forward Leigh Brown bagged four.

Casey was pipped at the post by a point by Coburg.

Williamstown held its place at the head of the ladder with a 35-point win over Box Hill.

? Old Xaverians saved their best for the last half of the home-and-away season to qualify for their 15th Victorian Amateur Football Association A-section finals series since 1993.

Despite trailing by 18 points at half-time at Old Brighton's unfriendly South Road ground, Xavs kicked eight goals to three to remain in the four.

Had the Tonners won, they would have moved into the second semi-final but they fell from third to fifth.

The top three teams lost: Collegians, by 27 points to Uni Blues, St Bede's/Mentone by 22 points to Old Ivanhoe, and Old Brighton by nine points to Xavs.

Old Scotch defeated Old Trinity by 36 points to move from fifth to fourth and to set up a first semi-final against Old Xavs at Sportscover Arena next Sunday.

Old Xaverians' old-boy organisation has put in a bid to the Boroondara Council to play games at Glenferrie Oval.

? In the Yarra Valley league yesterday, former Essendon player Gary Moorcroft kicked his 150th goal for the season, playing for Silvan. -- With BRAD BEITZEL

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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