Round 5 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Friday Night

Port Adelaide outlasted a fast-finishing Adelaide outfit to claim its first victory of the Hostplus SANFL League season at Adelaide Oval.

Leading at every change during the SANFL Showdown, played as a curtain-raiser to the AFL clash, the Magpies did enough to win by 20 points despite holding a commanding 56-point lead at the final change.

Snapping a six-game losing streak against the Crows, Jacob Surjan’s charges faced a stern challenge when Adelaide got within seven points on the back of Blake Drury’s major in the 25th minute of the last quarter.

But consecutive goals to speedy Harrison Elbrow was the ideal response for the Pies, who now trail Adelaide 13-11 overall in SANFL Showdown meetings.

Surjan would have been delighted with Port’s efficiency early in the contest when his side trailed the inside 50 count 9-16 yet found themselves 25 points up at quarter-time.

It was this clean style of ball movement which ensured Port would construct the victory in the third quarter, when it piled on 9.1 to 1.1 in devastating fashion.

Port’s midfield power was noticeable as Jackson Mead and Jack Watkins each racked up a team-high 33 disposals while Will Lorenz continued his good touch with 32 possessions, 10 marks and a goal.

Former Docker Will Brodie had 30 touches and a goal for Port while skipper Jez McLennan was his steady self with 26 disposals and 12 marks.

Former Port skipper Nick Moore booted four goals while Benny Barrett and Xavier Walsh kicked three a piece.

Adelaide’s Lachie Sholl led the way for his side with 31 disposals and 10 marks while Luke Nankervis (26 disposals, 14 marks) and Charlie Edwards (22 disposals) responded from their AFL demotions.

Crows ruck Reilly O’Brien continues to do everything asked of him, collecting 23 disposals, 11 clearances, eight marks and 26 hit outs.

Adelaide’s Drury kicked three goals, together with Finbar Maley and defender-turned-forward Nick Murray.