Port Adelaide extend winning run to six matches against North Melbourne in Hobart

Port Adelaide and Jason Horne-Francis had the last laugh over North Melbourne in Hobart as they proved far too classy for the Roos.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 13: Jason Horne-Francis of the Power runs the ball during the round nine AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, on May 13, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

It shaped as North’s first chance to extract a measure of revenge on their prized former number one draft pick, but it was Jason Horne-Francis and Port Adelaide who got the last laugh over the Roos in Hobart on Saturday.

The Power were far too classy and composed against the rebuilding Roos who shot themselves in the foot a number of times with poor skill execution and ill-discipline in the first-half before Port ran away with the game and extended their winning streak to six matches in the 20.15 (135) to 10.5 (65) victory.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 13: Jason Horne-Francis of the Power marks the ball during the round nine AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, on May 13, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

After a tight first-quarter, where North defender Aiden Corr was reported for striking Port’s Ollie Lord, the Power flicked the switch in the second-term and dominated every KPI as they finished the half scoring nine of their 11 goals off turnover.

Young guns Zak Butters (32 disposals) and Connor Rozee (25 disposals) continued their strong starts to the season while Luke Davies-Uniacke (29 disposals) and veteran Todd Goldstein (24 disposals and 55 hit-outs) battled hard for the Roos.

The 70-point win sees Port Adelaide jump to equal first on the ladder with Collingwood while North will be left licking their wounds after Davies-Uniacke (hamstring), Jack Mahony (shoulder), Darcy Tucker (hamstring) and Flynn Perez (head) all failed to finish the contest.

ROOS REFUSE TO POKE HORNETS NEST

While much had been made of the build-up to Jason Horne-Francis’ first game against his old side, the talented teenager that left Arden Street after just one season wasn’t met with the ferocious intent that many had expected pre-game. The Roos never really went after the 19 year-old who had a relatively quiet day against his old side, finishing with 15 disposals and a goal in the second-quarter.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 13: Ollie Lord of the Power and Ben McKay of the Kangaroos compete for the ball during the round nine AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, on May 13, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

POWER OUT ON PORT TALLS

Already missing Charlie Dixon through injury, Port’s forward-line had to with-go another major reshuffle post quarter-time following Todd Marshall being subbed out with concussion. It left Jeremy Finlayson (three goals) and fourth-gamer Ollie Lord (one) as the Power’s main targets inside 50. Coach Ken Hinkley would have been pleased with how they functioned without Dixon, Marshall and the suspended Junior Rioli but will be hopeful at least Dixon will return for a huge Friday night clash against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval next week.

PORT SKIPPER SLOTS RARE MAJOR

Playing in his 210th game, Port skipper Tom Jonas achieved a feat he’d only reached one other time when he kicked his second career goal midway through the third-term.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 13: Tom Jonas of the Power celebrates a goal during the round nine AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, on May 13, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

The Power veteran drifted forward following a 50m penalty and after quick one-two with Dan Houston, launched a monster from 50m that sailed straight through the middle before being mobbed by teammates like it was the first major from a teenager on debut.

ROSENDALE’S BEST

POWER: Butters, Rozee, Bergman, Finlayson, Powell-Pepper, Wines

ROOS: Davies-Uniacke, Goldstein, Larkey, Simpkin, Zurhaar, Curtis

GOALS

PORT: Finlayson 3, Powell-Pepper 2, Bonner 2, Evans 2, McEntee 2, Teakle, Mead, Burton, Lord, Boak, Horne-Francis, Jonas, Drew, Wines

ROOS: Larkey 4, Zurhaar 2, Stephenson 2, Curtis, Logue

INJURIES

POWER: Marshall (concussion)

ROOS: Tucker (hamstring), Perez (head), Davis-Uniacke (hamstring), J. Mahony (shoulder)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR – ROSENDALE’S VOTES: 3. Zak Butters (Port), 2. Miles Bergman (Port), 1. Luke Davies-Uniacke (North)

ATTENDANCE: 6,310

Originally published as Port Adelaide extend winning run to six matches against North Melbourne in Hobart