Port Adelaide goes to water after dust-up with Geelong

PORT Adelaide’s players are still guessing how much Saturday night’s quarter-time stink will cost them.But there is no question about the real price at Alberton - four points, says Scott Walsh.

AFL - Port Adelaide v Geelong at Adelaide Oval. Tempers flare between Tom Jonas and Mitch Duncan and Josh Caddy. Picture Sarah Reed

PORT Adelaide’s players are still guessing how much Saturday night’s quarter-time stink will cost them.

But there is no question about the real price at Alberton. Four points.

All that spiralled out of control for the Power in their Anzac weekend clash with Geelong at Adelaide Oval traces back to that all-in pull-apart after the first-term bell.

From that moment, an underperforming Geelong lifted and Port, well, Port went back to being rotten.

If president David Koch labelled last week a disgrace, what of the last three quarters on Saturday night?

Until the biff, the Power had been brilliant. They led by 24 points at the change as all the goosebumps from the Last Post turned into footy finesse.

Yet, in the minutes between Tom Jonas spearing Patrick Dangerfield with a hard but fair knee to the back in a marking contest on quarter-time, and players splitting back to their huddles, something shifted for Port Adelaide.

The match review panel can this week be expected to issue fines stretching into the thousands of dollars for the rare brawl.

It was sparked when Jonas — who had been beautifully physical early — flew for a contest on the 50m paint.

In real time — the only fair judge — it was a legitimate effort, but it flattened Dangerfield. When the former Crow eventually rose to his feet, he was nursing his back — hardly a unique visage for Dangerfield.

The Cats fired up, Port fired back and a series of heated scuffles broke out.

It all seemed to dissipate before Jasper Pittard initiated forceful contact and it was on again.

When order was eventually restored, Power coach Ken Hinkley gave Jonas a big nod — and a high-five — as players found their way to the huddle.

At the same time, Geelong coach Chris Scott appeared to exchange words with Port vice-captain Hamish Hartlett.

By that stage, it had been all the Power and the push-and-shoved seemed a perfect end to reinforce a dominant opening quarter.

They led by 24 points, having restricted Geelong to a single goal and just eight inside-50s.

Just 30 minutes earlier they had stood arm-in-arm during the Anzac weekend commemorations.

The unity, intent and selflessness was overflowing.

Jake Neade ran through three Cats to dish to a teammate. Skipper Travis Boak looked the best he has all year.

Hamish Hartlett came off the bench and immediately put his head over the ball and set up Port’s second goal.

Then came the dust-up. And, just like that, the four points were gone.