Port Adelaide win Russell Ebert Tribute Match

2 years ago – May 22, 2022

Port's Charlie Dixon reads the flight of the ball under West's Josh Ryan. Picture - Peter Argent

Compiled by Zac Milbank

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Port Adelaide honoured club legend Russell Ebert with a spirited 24-point win against West Adelaide at Loxton Oval.

Needing to dig deep in the second half with two less rotations due to injury, the Magpies were able to withstand a Bloods’ barrage in the third quarter to record their second win of the season.

With Sam Skinner (concussion) and Jackson Lee (knee) unable to resume after the main break, Port saw its lead shaved back to just 12 points when the hosts booted the first four goals after half-time.

West was able to maintain the two-goal deficit until early in the last term when bigman Jade Cleeland converted his nice overhead mark in the goal square.

But the Pies then booted the next three majors in succession to seal the deal, Dylan Williams kicking a beauty from a tight angle in the pocket to open up a 27-point lead nearing time-on.

Port’s Xavier Duursma was awarded the Russell Ebert Medal for his 29 disposals and two goals, making his presence felt in the first half while his team was constructing its lead.

Teammates Sam Mayes (33 disposals), Taj Schofield (31 disposals), Martin Frederick (30 disposals) and Jackson Mead (28 disposals) all used their leg speed to advantage on the picture-perfect Riverland deck.

Crafty Port forward Williams kicked four goals while Power star Charlie Dixon finished with 3.3 from 16 disposals, four marks and four clearances to suggest he is ready for an AFL recall.

West had plenty of players desperate to end their seven-match losing streak to start this season, with Josh Carmichael continuing his red hot form to register 26 disposals and a goal after a courageous mark in the pocket.

Callum Park rebounded well from defence with 24 disposals for the Bloods while Kaiden Brand was rock solid with 21 disposals and seven marks.

Former Port veteran Hamish Hartlett, who spent time off the ground in the final term, made an otherwise encouraging return from a hamstring strain to tally 20 disposals, nine clearances and five tackles for West.