WEST Coast has fought back with a fine last quarter but it was too little too late as they lost to Port Adelaide by 36 points in the round 16 clash at AAMI Stadium.

The final score of 17.10 (112) to 11.10 (76) will also go some way to improving Power’s moderate percentage which was a full 10 per cent behind 8th-placed Essendon before Sunday’s match.

The West Coast loss extends their ordinary recent away record to 19 straight losses on the road.

There were a few bright lights for the Eagles, particularly with the performance of Chris Masten who collected 38 possessions and kicked a goal, and Nic Naitanui who won 13 hit outs.

Former Cat Jason Davenport got the ball rolling for Port Adelaide with a sensational first quarter performance.

Davenport grabbed 12 possessions, lay four tackles and booted two goals as the home side streaked out to a 34-point lead at quarter time.

They went on with the job in the second term with Brett Ebert taking charge of the forward line. By the long break Port Adelaide was ahead by 47 points.

West Coast didn’t roll over in the third term, but failed to cut into the hefty margin.

Hansen gave the Eagles a sniff with the first goal of the quarter, but some magic from David Rodan epitomised the Power’s unwavering commitment.

Rodan created two goals from nothing and subsequent majors to Kane Cornes, Westhoff and Gray saw the lead blowout to 10 goals.

Quinten Lynch matched Rodan’s effort with two majors at the other end, but the Eagles still trailed by 58 points at the final change.

West Coast finished with goals to Kennedy, Hansen, Rosa and Masten helping to cut the massive three-quarter-time deficit, but it was a case of too little too late.


Port Adelaide 6.5 10.8 15.9 17.10 (112)
West Coast     1.1 3.3   6.5  11.10 (76)

GOALS
Port Adelaide: Ebert 3, Davenport, Rodan, Gray, Tredrea, Salter, Broadbent 2, K Cornes, Westhoff
West Coast: Hansen 3, Lynch, LeCras 2, McGinnity, Kennedy, Masten, Rosa

BEST
Port Adelaide: Davenport, Cassisi, K Cornes, Surjan, Rodan, Lade, Salopek, Ebert
West Coast: Masten, Hansen, Rosa, Lynch, Wirrpanda

INJURIES
Port Adelaide: nil
West Coast: nil

Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stevic, Hay, Pannell
Official crowd: 21,106 at AAMI Stadium


The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs.