AFL: Sickening injuries mar Port Adelaide’s win over Sydney

Port Adelaide are back on top of the AFL ladder, but the premiership contenders may be without two of their biggest stars over the coming weeks.

Zak Butters hyper-extends his left knee.

Port Adelaide will be left counting the cost of their victory over the Sydney Swans on Saturday afternoon at Adelaide Oval.

The 11.7 (73) to 7.5 (47) win propels the Power back to the top of the AFL ladder, but they finished the contest minus two stars.

In the opening quarter, electric youngster Zak Butters raced away from a contest and looked to be streaming towards an easy goal before the speed wobbles hit and his left knee got caught up underneath him and hyper-extended.

Butters remained on the turf for a period of time before he was helped from the field. The exciting youngster however managed to return to the game.

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The Power lost their second star in the third quarter when Brad Ebert went to tackle Sydney’s Jackson Thurlow only to slam his face into the side of Thurlow’s head.

Ebert, who has a long history of concussions in the AFL, slowly made his way off the field. Thankfully, the Power veteran returned to the game halfway through the fourth quarter but was supporting a big egg on his head.

.@PAFC's Brad Ebert has come from the ground after this unfortunate clash of heads.#AFLPowerSwans pic.twitter.com/9xr4VvcQD6

— AFL (@AFL) August 29, 2020

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Despite a resurgence from the Swans in the third quarter, they were unable to reduce the deficit, and will remain in the bottom three spots on the AFL ladder.

Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon kicked a game-high four goals, including a stunning strike early in the fourth quarter.

After putting a cheeky step on Sydney defender Lewis Melican, Dixon booted the Sherrin between the posts from near the boundary, and celebrated emphatically with this teammates.

“I wasn’t getting my aerial contests done, which was pretty frustrating, so it was good to get one on the ground,” Dixon told Fox Footy after the final siren.

Fox Footy presenter Sarah Jones labelled it a contender for Goal of the Year.

💪 Beast. Mode. Activated 💪

Feat. Charlie Dixon#AFLPowerSwans pic.twitter.com/gmE6h0kWGp

— AFL (@AFL) August 29, 2020

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Meanwhile, Robbie Gray continued his superb form, managing 27 disposals and two goals for the Power.

Sports broadcaster Rohan Connolly tweeted: “Really enjoying watching Port Adelaide this season. Play positive, attacking footy. And I love the faith Ken Hinkley has put in the young guys.”

The Swans will be eager to rediscover some form when they face the Melbourne Demons on Thursday, while Port Adelaide enjoy a bye.

— With Nic Savage