Disastrous night for North Adelaide in trial match against Magpies

NORTH Adelaide’s trial game loss to Port Adelaide ended in disaster with three players reported and George Thring carried from the ground.

North Adelaide’s George Thring, left, was carried off during the trial match against Port

NORTH Adelaide’s trial game loss to Port Adelaide on Friday night ended in disaster with three players reported and midfielder George Thring carried from the ground with a sickening ankle injury.

Thring - arguably North’s most creative player - lay motionless on Alberton Oval with his leg at right angles after chasing a loose ball early in the third quarter.

He was stretchered from the ground with a suspected broken or dislocated ankle, while Jesse O’Brien, Luke Mitchell and James Craig could also be in doubt for Round 1 after picking up minor injuries.

To make matters worse, Michael Clinch, Stuart Hill and Patrick Boles were all reported for separate incidents.

Reborn Port Adelaide completed their unbeaten pre-season with a 33-point victory, 11.9 (75) to 6.6 (42), but didn’t escape unscathed with Ben Newton also stretchered from the ground with concussion.

The high-possession Magpies were very impressive with Kane Mitchell busy in the midfield, Cameron Hitchcock and Jake Neade impressing with their pace and recruits Anthony Biemans and Angus Bruggermann showing they can both play.

The positives for North were four goals to recruit Alan Obst, a solid game in defence from Todd Miles and Leigh Ryswyk showing flashes of brilliance.

After beating South, Central and last year’s runner-up North in its trial games, Port Adelaide deserves to go into Thursday night’s season-opener against reigning premier Norwood an even money chance while the Roosters will have to lick their wounds before playing Adelaide.