AFL round 11: Port Adelaide topple Richmond Tigers in ‘game of the year’
Any concerns about the state of the AFL were immediately disregarded following Saturday’s enthralling contest at Adelaide Oval.
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The AFL community have sung the praises of Port Adelaide and the Richmond Tigers after they produced the most enthralling match of the 2020 season.
Since the premiership was revived after the coronavirus lockdown, there have been lingering murmurs about the low-scoring, defensive nature of multiple fixtures. However, any concerns about the state of football were immediately forgotten after Saturday’s blockbuster match at Adelaide Oval.
The lead was exchanged on four occasions, but the topsy-turvy encounter finished with a 13.15 (93) to 11.6 (72) victory for Port Adelaide, who retain top spot on the AFL ladder.
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After the Power raced to an early lead with four consecutive goals, Richmond responded by scoring the next four majors and taking the lead in the second quarter.
Just as Port Adelaide edged ahead once again in the third quarter, the defending premiers slotted another four consecutive goals to retain the lead at three-quarter time.
However, the hosts proved why they are premiership contenders, dominating the final 16 minutes to run away with a nailbiting victory.
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There were only 10,000 spectators at the stadium, but the vocal crowd ensured it sounded as though the venue was jam-packed.
It was an incredibly entertaining contest with plenty of highlights, and there’s a strong possibility these two clubs will face off again in October’s grand final.
The Age chief football writer Jake Niall posted to Twitter: “If more AFL games were as watchable as Port Adelaide v Richmond, we wouldn’t be worried about the state of the game, ugly footy or talking rule changes.”
Football reporter Rohan Connolly tweeted: “This is a cracker of a game. Everything that’s good about the modern version, heaps of pressure, but still enough attack and speed of ball movement. Loving it!”
Former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes posted: “Where are the screenshots of how bad footy is? Incredible game so far.”
Adelaide Strikers cricketer Alexandra Price tweeted: “This game is as good as it gets.”
The Advertiser sports reporter Matt Turner posted: “This has a finals feel to it in terms of pressure and intensity from both sides.”
Collingwood legend Michael McGuane tweeted: “Now this game between Richmond and Port Adelaide is what AFL footy is all about.
“Tough, uncompromising, fast pace, skilful, and relentless. Just brilliant. Outstanding to watch. Love it.”
Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Vince Rugari posted: “That was the best game of footy I’ve seen in a long, long time.
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“No need to tweak things — the good teams bring the best footy. Nothing wrong with the game.”
Herald Sun sports journalist Glenn McFarlane tweeted: “Incredible match … Game looks pretty bloody good when it is played that way. Roar of a crowd helps too.”
Fox Sports commentator Brenton Speed posted: “Hope Pat McAfee is watching this #AFLPowerTigers game. The best game of the year. Extraordinary footy! Surge and score with skill!”
AFL 360 host Mark Robinson tweeted: “Now that was football at its best.”
North Melbourne great David King posted: “What. A. Game.”
AFL Media reporter Lee Gaskin labelled it: “Game of the year.”
Herald Sun reporter Chris Cavanagh agreed: “Game of the year, by far. Feels like a final.”
Port Adelaide veteran Robbie Gray and Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt kicked a game-high three goals, while Power stars Travis Boak and Ollie Wines showed their class in the midfield, managing 31 and 28 disposals respectively.
The Age sports journalist Daniel Cherny claimed Wines was enjoying his “best run of games for a couple of years”.
Despite securing the four points, Port Adelaide will be slightly disappointed they allowed Richmond to stay in the contest, considering they dominated the disposals and inside 50s tally.
In round 12, Port Adelaide will take on the Geelong Cats on the Gold Coast, while Richmond will face the Gold Coast Suns in Brisbane.
Originally published as AFL round 11: Port Adelaide topple Richmond Tigers in ‘game of the year’