Port Adelaide’s big names too good for injury-hit Norwood at Alberton

AFL-listed stars Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert, Trent McKenzie and Cameron Sutcliffe led the way for Port Adelaide as it blew away undermanned archrival Norwood at Alberton.

Port Adelaide veteran Brad Ebert has made a safe return to competitive football after six weeks spent on the sidelines overcoming concussion.

In line with this season’s theme of AFL players returning from injury through the SANFL, Ebert donned a helmet, and made his presence felt in the Magpie’s 45-point win over Norwood.

At a packed Alberton Oval and in glorious winter sunshine, the Magpies ended the Redlegs’ two-game winning streak with their 17.11 (113) to 10.8 (68) victory, which was built largely on a four-goal second term and then a rampant five unanswered goals in the last.

With Collingwood’s star ruckman Brodie Grundy watching from the stands alongside his family — all gathered to support Grundy’s younger brother Riley who was drafted by the Power last year — this was a game that was an even arm-wrestle for all but the second and fourth quarters.

Collingwood ruckman watching Port Adelaide with his mum, Jenn Palmer at Alberton Oval yesterday. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

While the Magpies enjoyed having high-profile AFL players to choose from (Willem Drew, Billy Frampton among them), Norwood was depleted after injuries last week to captain Jace Bode (ankle) and Ed Smart (hamstring) to add to Matt Panos, Matt Nunn and Will Abbott on the sidelines.

Going into the game, there were question marks over the fitness of Redlegs Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg who’d spent the week battling back spasms. But he took to the field and was among Norwood’s biggest ball-winners, finishing with 22 disposals, while Lewis Johnston and Cameron Shenton had 27 each.

A first-term highlight for the Redlegs were the two goals scored by Anthony Wilson, which were eerily similar to each other: the speedy forward punctured the Port defence and found himself with a paddock to run into in front of goal both times. Wilson finished the game with three goals and 12 disposals.

Brad Ebert made a safe return to football after six weeks sidelined with concussion. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

But it was Port’s big AFL names that made their mark on this game: Ollie Wines was dominant in the midfield with a huge game-high 38 disposals and in the second quarter set up one of Frampton’s two goals with beautiful delivery forward. He looks set for an AFL return.

Charlie Dixon was filled with spirit, getting into scuffles and blowing Norwood supporters a kiss as he came off on rotation. In the second quarter Dixon looked fierce as she shoved off his opponent and sent a well-timed kick into Frampton who goaled. But overall, Dixon had a quiet game — despite two final term goals — and finished with 3.2 and 12 disposals. Trent McKenzie had 26 touches.

Ollie Wines (16) and Charlie Dixon discuss tactics at quarter time. PHOTO: AAP/Emma Brasier

Despite Port taking a 19-point lead into half quarter time, Norwood scored three unanswered goals in the third term to get within a kick.

The Grundy family would have been cheering from the stands when defender Riley launched at a dribble kick to touch it over the line and prevent further Norwood momentum.

Port rallied with a beautiful goal to Drew, with assistance from Ebert.

When Magpies captain Cam Sutcliffe kicked his fourth goal in the last quarter, it was all over.

But yesterday was all about Ebert, who played his first SANFL game in 12 years. The 242-game veteran of the AFL, suffered concussion on May 3 when the Power lost to Collingwood in round seven and hasn’t played footy since.

He spent most of his time up forward and showed no signs of reluctance when heading into a contest. Ebert finished with 22 disposals (15 kicks and seven handballs), six marks, three tackles, four clearances and nine inside-50s.

Well done boys ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ #sanfl pic.twitter.com/GmMY7dlpzB

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) June 16, 2019

SCOREBOARD

Port Adelaide: 4.3 8.5 11.7 17 11 (113)

Norwood: 3.2 5.4 8.8 10.8 (68)

Best: Port Adelaide: Wines, Sutcliffe, McKenzie, Drew, Atley

Norwood: Johnston, Grigg, Baulderstone, Wilson, Shenton

Goals: Port Adelaide: Sutcliffe 4, Dixon 3, Frampton 2, Hayes 2, Cox 2, Johnson, Woodcock, Drew, Wines

Norwood: Wilson 3, Shenton, Szust, Carroll, Johnston, Barry, Richards, Bampton

Umpires: Crosby, Burke, Hundertmark

Crowd: 3261 at Alberton Oval