Round 14 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Sunday

North Adelaide legend Barrie Rorban was fittingly farewelled at Prospect but it wasn’t the result the Roosters wanted as Port Adelaide cruised to a 32-point win.

Displaying plenty of spirit in the first half in honour of the greatest South Australian footballer, the Roosters led by 19 points at half-time after a moving pre-match tribute from players of both clubs, umpires and officials.

Fans applauded with passionate respect for as long as 45 seconds in the 10th minute of the first quarter to recognise Robran, who sadly passed away suddenly on Wednesday.

It provided Sam Mayes’ charges with plenty of emotion to use to their advantage but eventually the Magpies wore the hosts down with a 10-goal second half.

Slamming on 6.3 to North’s 1.1 in the third quarter, Port suddenly earned an important 13-point lead heading into the final change.

Inspired by Mayes’ reference to Robran at the three quarter-time huddle, North got within eight points when Nigel Lockyer ran into an open goal in the eight minute of the final term.

But that was to be the Roosters’ final goal for the game as the Pies piled on the next four in succession to keep their final five chances alive.

First-year tall Jack Whitlock was adjudged the XGolf Player of the Day after displaying his versatility, thriving in attack before being shifted into the ruck during the second half with first-choice bigman Ivan Soldo sidelined with calf tightness.

Whitlock finished with 18 disposals, six marks, 15 hit outs and 3.2 to show plenty of promise for the Power faithful as Jeremy Finlayson stood tall as the lone beacon in attack to kick 4.3 from 16 disposals and eight marks.

Hard-working Port midfielder Jack Watkins tallied a game-high 31 disposals, seven clearances and 10 marks while Rory Atkins (25 disposals) and Tom Anastasopoulos (23 disposals) found their share of the Sherrin.

Defenders Jez McLennan (21 disposals, 11 marks) and Harry Ramm (19 disposals, 11 marks) looked composed, with the latter potentially coming into AFL selection consideration late in the season.

North man-mountain Angus Schumacher racked up 29 possessions and nine clearances while Harrison Wigg finished with 25 disposals and five clearances in his 150th League outing.

Roosters Zavier Maher and Frank Szekely led the scoring with three goals each while Lockyer kicked two.