Port v West, Round 23, Sat Sept 1

West played their best available side last week but didn't seem to get a whole lot out of the game. Will that prompt a change of approach and the selection of a few well-performing Reserve players? And who will do the bulk of the 'extraction' work in stoppages in the absence of Schmidt?
Port can only hope to win here and against Sturt and hope other results fall their way. But their strong percentage keeps them in with a chance.

West by 21-30 points.

If anyone was in doubt about West still wanting to win every game, the only had to see something that was overlooked as the Bloods won by a point last Friday night.

With West leading by a point, seconds to go and the ball in South's scoring distance, it appeared that a South player would take possession and perhaps have a chance of a score.

A West player put his body on the line with a head-first hard and low dive at the footy. His head collided with the South player's knee. The siren went, so it was naturally not remarked on.

It's on the 'Recovery Session" at about 9.55. Have a look, it's really worth it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=328pF6bO2TU&list=UUM4dDlrOwCdPQrV_GK8Cjag&index=1&feature=plcp.

That's why West supporters love Ryan Ferguson.

West:

F CARUSO N CARUSO P NELSON
Ben FISHER Brad FISHER J EZARD
S BIRSS B MACREADIE J BEECH
T SILVERLOCK R FERGUSON B CROUCH
A HARTLETT J TIPPETT S GREEN

RUCKS
R WILLITS
D CAIRE
L HILL

INTERCHANGE
R LAIRD
M RANKINE
K THOMPSON
M BORHOLM
S BRICKNELL

INS:

K THOMPSON
M RANKINE
M BORHOLM
S BRICKNELL

OUT:

A FIELKE (ANKLE)
C SCHMIDT (SHOULDER)

Port:

IN: Kirkwood, Banner, Thurgood
OUT: Wilson, Gray, Watt

Slattery, Fielke and Schmidt out for Bloods - All first choice players - You'd think port to win at home with those outs...

Flag No.9 wrote:Port:

IN: Kirkwood, Banner, Thurgood
OUT: Wilson, Gray, Watt

who is going to kick enough goals for Port to win ?, with Wilson out i can't see Port kicking a lot so even at home i can't see Port winning, West by 5 or 6 goals

Why was wilson omitted? I havent seen the reasons for outs yet

wolves wrote:Why was wilson omitted? I havent seen the reasons for outs yet

i haven't seen the reason either but surely it was injury ?

FULL TIME @ ALBERTON OVAL

LEAGUE:

Final Scores

Port - 17.13 = 115

West - 10.10 = 70

Magpies win by 45 points




GOAL KICKERS:

Port - M.Banner, J.Thurgood 3, J.Clayton, T.Broomhead 2 M.Scanlon, M.Dolling, M.Rose, A.Cockshell, J.Meiklejohn, J.Solly, S.Summerton 1

West - J.Beech, M.Rankine, P.Nelson 2, T.Silverlock, M.Borholm, Ben Fisher, S.Bricknell 1




FINAL STATS WINNERS: http://sanfl.championdata.com/matches/17172302/afl_summary.html




RESERVES:

Final Scores

West - 11.10 = 76

Port - 8.16 = 64

Bloods win by 12 points




GOAL KICKERS:

West - M.Still, T.Keough 3, S.Dean 2, T.Schott, M.Sumner, S.Blesing 1

Port - J.Watt, C.Wilson 2, S.Gray, C.Grove, L.Sharrad, B.Sawford 1

Port were very impressive today, they played some of the best football I've seen in the SANFL for several years. Adam Cockshell, finally getting himself fit and playing an absolute pearler. On today's form, I wish he was still at Norwood, we could use him in the finals

Also very impressed by players such as Harder (always been impressed by him), Rose, Salopek, Banner, Clayton, Dolling, Raikiwasa, the list goes on. They played an impressive long direct style that was very pleasing (and refreshing) to watch.

West didn't come to play today, not sure what they would take from today's game.

The only thing we can take out of this game is the fact that there are a few guys who got the opportunity today who are not good enough for league footy.

I said earlier in the week that I don't think we should be resting players as it could flirt with form. The next few weeks will prove me right or wrong but I have a feeling it could be negative.

Birss was our only 4 quarter performer today, the rest didn't seem too interested. Brad Fisher limped off in the 3rd quarter. I hope that is just precautionary. Bit worried to see Aaron Fielke in a moonboot today. Anyone know what the problem is? I know he has gone off with a slight injury over the last few weeks but didn't think it was moonboot bad.

Hopefully we can have as full strength side as possible next week as I feel that we need to get back the confidence we have lost over the last 2 weeks to be a force in the finals.

Great win by the ressies too today which has all but sewn up a top 3 finish which is remarkable in itself considering the amount of changes to the side over the last few weeks. Fantastic to see Simon Dean back. Fantastic club man who deserves a bit of luck and hopefully can become a part of the league setup next season.

Disappointing loss for the 18s and we now have to beat the eagles next week to secure a double chance.

Port impressed me today.

Fierce at the ball, totally committed and did the 1% things we all talk about. (sheparding, spoiling etc..)

I think they deserve a place in the finals compared to some other clubs that are hanging on to 5th place.

Cockshell looked slimmer and starred today.....must say that hurt a bit. Must talk to him about his fitness and diet routine for myself!!!

If Port do make it they could suprise a few sides.

All Port supporters will be hoping a win for South over the Bays this Saturday.

was good to catch up with r&b briefly today, well resting players didn't help the cause today but obviously coach Collins is looking at the bigger picture, i thought Port were good for most of the day & thought that was the best game i've ever seen Cockshell play bar for a couple of poor shots at goal, Banner, Harder & my old mate SAL were good among a complete team effort, West tried clawing its way back into the match during the second term & had Port going short but after regrouping at half time they reverted to a long game like they had in the opener & was never in doubt after that, as mentioned in a previous post by b&t Birss was clearly Westies best

Well done Port. Hope that was a wake up call for the Bloods. Well done to the reserves 9 changes from last week. Well Done to Simon Dean who played a good game after comming back to the club

No one has said west aren't trying to win every game but I did mention last week players would be not played .I was right this week and they were not played deliberately it wasn't resting.