SANFL 2006 ROUND 22: WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS v PORT ADELAIDE

Magpies need to lift

By PETER ARGENT

THE double chance in finals is unlikely to belong to Port Adelaide after the Magpies lost to Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday by 56 points.

In a tight, tough and intense encounter, the Magpies, despite only having kicked two goals in the first half, were still in the contest at the main break.

In the third term, they conceded six goals and were shown how to play hard running, accountable football.

“We didn't really have a winner in the game,” Magpies coach Tim Ginever said. “Our defence was under the pump all day.

“The game turned just before half time, when we let them kick a goal because of an undisciplined act. But saying that we were still in the game at half time.

“We were not clean in close in the third term and when defenders like (Tim) Looby, (John) Baird and (Corey) Ah Chee are your only better players, it isn't good.”

The only consistent performer during the game for the Magpies was former Power player and team veteran Jared Poulton. The utility kicked 3.2 and was the only Port Adelaide footballer to break even with his direct opponent on the day.

Former Eagle, Roc Harry was prominent early, but faded out of the game like most other players wearing the famed black and white jumper.

Clive Waterhouse was well-beaten in the forward lines by 18-year-old first gamer Zack Hier, and no other Port Adelaide forward had an impact.

Chad Davis tried hard once coming off the interchange bench, and Luke Slattery showed a little early.

Shayne Biacsi finished with 20 possessions, and laid a couple of good tackles, to be the best of the rest.

Cameron Ilett was prominent during the first term, but was undisciplined and fell out of the game after that.

Ginever and his troops will need to regroup quickly as they have another testing match against North at Adelaide this week.

“We don't want to make up the numbers during the major round,'' he said.

“We want to make our presence felt in the finals.''

Being without Magarey Medal favourite, Jeremy Clayton didn't help the visitors' cause.

SCORES: Woodville-West Torrens 2.1 5.7 11.10 16.13 (109) defeated Port Adelaide 2.4 2.5 4.9 7.11 (53).

BEST: Eagles - Lomas, Lindsay, Powell, Heir, Cicolella, Jarrad, Treeby, Pedler, Symmons; Port - Poulton, Harry, Looby, Baird.

GOALS: Eagles - Lomas 4, Symmons 3, Passador, Lindsay, Jarrad, Grocke, Powell, Shattock, Cooper, Jarrad, Rugolo; Port - Poulton 3, Waterhouse, Harry, Ilett, Biacsi.