Round 17 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Sunday

Port Adelaide ensured it will remain in fifth place at the end of Round 17 after eclipsing Central District by 14 points at Alberton.

Knocked out of the top five for 24 hours by Norwood, the Magpies regained their spot with a spirited victory against a finals-bound contender.

Leading at every change, Hamish Hartlett’s outfit managed to continually keep the Bulldogs at arm’s length despite multiple challenges.

Even when Central got within eight points nearing the 30-minute mark of the final quarter when Anzac Lochowiak dribbled one along the ground, Port hit back when Lachlan Charleson sealed the win with clever finish from close range.

Port dominated the inside 50 count 52-34 while also winning clearances 39-34 as experienced utility Jeremy Finlayson showed his dominance while rucking and in attack.

Finlayson filled his stats sheet with 30 disposals, 17 clearances, four marks, 15 hit outs and two goals while midfielders Christian Moraes and Jack Watkins each had 24 disposals and booted a goal.

Rory Atkins collected 22 disposals for the Magpies while Ewan Mackinlay’s only blemish was his 1.4 in front of goal while tallying 21 disposals and seven marks.

Josh Byrne booted three goals for the Pies while Charleson and captain Nick Moore joined Finlayson in booting two majors.

Central’s Beau Thomas worked tirelessly in the ruck and up forward for his 17 disposals, eight marks and 27 hit outs while Kai Pudney ran hard for his 21 disposals and two goals.

Bulldogs Kade Dittmar and Jack Callinan both had 19 disposals while Zach Adams and Wilson Barry chimed in 18 disposals and a goal.