AFL round 19: Port Adelaide v Richmond, news, result and SuperCoach scores

It might be a win that looked convincing on the scoreboard. But as MATT TURNER writes, Port Adelaide will need to be much better than it was against Richmond to navigate a gruelling run home and earn a finals berth.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 20: Sam Banks of the Tigers handpasses the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 19 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on July 20, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

This was the only game in Port Adelaide’s run home that almost every football observer would have ticked off as a win.

The Power got one, but looked unconvincing for three quarters against a bottom-placed Richmond that went into the game with a 2-15 record and as $8.50 underdogs.

Port Adelaide’s quality – leading to dominance in both inside 50s (65-45) and clearances (47-31) – eventually took hold during a final term that was 4.8 to 0.1 in the home side’s favour.

Willem Drew kicks around the body. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The much-needed four points took the Power to equal-second on the ladder.

Besides the win, perhaps the most pleasing thing for the hosts on the night would be the return of Willie Rioli (2.2) after almost two months out and bounce back to form of Charlie Dixon (4.2).

In difficult, slippery conditions, the Power was slick late and untidy early.

To be a chance at causing an upset, the Tigers needed to start well and they did, feasting on Port Adelaide errors.

Sam Banks handballs for the Tigers. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Power’s first quarter included all these things: a Dixon falcon after misjudging the flight of the ball; Shai Bolton breaking Willem Drew and Logan Evans tackles to set up a goal; Port not playing to the whistle and letting Rhyan Mansell sneak in for a mark on the boundary inside the Tigers’ 50; Richmond jumping out to a 16-6 inside 50 ascendancy; Esava Ratugolea looping a backwards kick high enough in the defensive 50 that it led to turnover and goal; the visitors’ first three goals all coming for turnovers from the hosts.

After the second term, Power coach Ken Hinkley gave his midfielders a half-time bake in the changerooms.

Shai Bolton is just a delight to watch. #AFLPowerTigerspic.twitter.com/PH6QZ7T6xb

— AFL (@AFL) July 20, 2024

Travis Boak tries to fire up the home crowd. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It was mostly around defensive actions, according to skipper Connor Rozee.

“You can usually sense it when he comes storming towards you with a big frown on his face,” Rozee told Fox Footy.

“We’re a pretty natural offensive group and our test this year has been to grow defensively and not switch off, they were scoring pretty easily on transition.

“I think he knows what gets the best out of us,

“He knows a few of us need that fire up sometimes even if we’re not playing horribly.

“It was a testament to the playing group to take that the right way and not go into our shells, and I thought we responded really well after the break.”

The game was still in the balance at the last break – Port was 10 points ahead – but the Power stormed home, led by the likes of Ollie Wines (32 disposals), Rozee (24 touches, two goals) and Dan Houston.

Hinkley’s side does not have to play breathtaking footy to keep its finals hopes alive, just notch victories.

But with one of the most difficult draws of any team – Carlton (away), Sydney (home), Melbourne (away), Adelaide (home) and Fremantle (away) – the Power will need to play a lot better from the start to make the top eight in such a tight competition.