Perfect result for Travis Boak in game 350 as Zak Butters, Port Adelaide tear Richmond apart

Port was down by 11 points at half time on Sunday – but not a word was said about Travis Boak’s milestone in the rooms. As Ken Hinkley said post-match, he didn’t need to say anything.

Dane Heverin

3 min read

March 25, 2024 - 1:38PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Connor Rozee and Travis Boakembrace after the final siren of Boak’s 350th game. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

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Trailing at half time by 11 points, Port Adelaide knew that they had something beyond the four points to play for in the second half against Richmond.

Travis Boak’s teammates were disappointed that the Tigers had got on top of them in the second quarter but they were not going to let their former captain taste defeat in his 350th game.

Not a word was said about Boak’s milestone in the changerooms at half time because it did not need to be said.

“When you care about each other you don’t have to mention it,” Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said.

“This group are incredibly caring towards one another because we have so many people from so many different places.

“There are some disadvantages of being an interstate club but one of the advantages is they do come together really tight.”

Connor Rozee and Travis Boak after Port’s win. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Boak was chaired off after his 350th game. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

The Power eventually overran the Tigers courtesy of a 13-goal second half and Hinkley was adamant post-game that the club had to get the job done for Boak.

“It would have been hollow for Trav to be our games record holder, champion of the football club, so committed all the way through to the Port Adelaide Football Club to play his 350th game at the MCG - I’m sure when we get home next week the Port fans will make sure his 351st game is also memorable - I think Travis deserved victory,” Hinkley said.

“You don’t always get what you deserve in life unfortunately. For him today, I was so proud of the way he handled the whole week and the way the boys responded for him in the second half - forget everything else - they wanted to make sure Travis won.”

Hinkley also registered a milestone of his own during his side’s 30-point win.

It was the 250th game he has coached at AFL level but he is not interested in his own achievement.

Rather he wants to continue working on how he can improve in handling his players.

Jason Horne-Francis missed the trip to Melbourne with a hamstring injury and Hinkley insisted that he will be taking the conservative approach with his players early in the season.

“We’re optimistic that he’ll be there but we won’t take the risk. It’s too early in the season whether it’s Jason or another player,” Hinkley said.

“We have to be cautious that it’s a long season and maybe I’m learning that a little bit better. I think that’s really important. You’ve got to put a price on being healthy at the end.”

Zak Butters was the star at the MCG. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

PORT’S TALLS DOMINATE

The Power have opted for a tall trio at either end of the ground this year and they worked together with great effect on Sunday.

Tall forwards Todd Marshall, Jeremy Finlayson and Charlie Dixon combined for nine second half goals and it could have been more if not for a few squandered set shots.

New recruits Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Esava Ratugolea slotted in seamlessly alongside Aliir Aliir as they tag teamed to keep Tom Lynch and Noah Balta to one goal apiece.

Former defender’s career best

Darcy Byrne-Jones produced a career-best with three goals highlighted by a sensational volley from the top of the goalsquare during the second quarter.

Bryne-Jones was an all-Australian defender in 2020 but was recast as a forward last year.

Tiger Liam Baker has also found himself both in defence and attack in recent years, and he also registered a career-high three goals.

Baker slotted two goals late in the third term at the Punt Road to try will his side back into the contest.

TIGERS STRUCK DOWN

Richmond were forced to make six changes from the side that lost to Carlton including Maurice Rioli Jr withdrawing from the side only moments before the first bounce due to a back issue.

Debutant, New Zealander and former Melbourne Storm development player Mykelti Lefau was elevated to the starting side as a result with Judson Clarke coming into the 23 as sub.

The absences of midfielders Dion Prestia and Jacob Hopper were felt in the midfield, while Nathan Broad was sorely missed down back but Yze said he is likely to return to the side against Sydney next week.