The hard hitting and opinionated Daryl Taber gives a wrap up of Port Adelaide’s caning of the Kangaroos.
LOOKOUT CATS, PORT MORE THAN PLAYFUL
So far we’ve had 4 very exciting finals decided by less than a kick. Yesterday though was a very embarrassing Preliminary Final at AAMI Stadium yesterday for the Kangaroos. They could not have put in a worse performance in what turned out to be Glenn Archer’s last game.
Port came to play and won every aspect of this game. The longer the game went the more confident Port Power became. Port Adelaide play Geelong next Saurday in the Grand Final. An ominous sign for the Cats was how easily Port dominated their Preliminary Final and how often their stars like Tredrea and Cornes got the ball.
Rodan set the pattern early with lively work around the packs, his speed often leaving the Roos in his wake. He was more than ably assisted by Danyle Pearce, the Burgoyne brothers and Troy Chaplin in defence.
Once Port gained control they often toyed with the Roos holding onto possession and playfully kicking the footy sideways and backwards to keep possession. Every player then joined in the feast. Tredrea’s bow to the crowd after goaling seemed a bit over the top for their coach and he reminded the whoe team they’ll meet a much tougher opponent next week.
Shannon Grant kicked 2 great goals early in the 1st quarter but from then on highlights were few for the Roos. Much of the good work early in the middle of the ground was wasted by inaccurate shots at goal.
The only bad news for Port is the achilles injury to Micheal Wilson that will prevent him playing next week and may even end his career.
Geelong finished 3 games clear on top after the 22 rounds and will be the clear crowd favorite in Melbourne. Last time these two teams met, Port snuck under the Cat’s guard getting up late in a thriller.
Again it’s Victoria v South Australia. Who will be the champion team this year, the Geelong Cats or Port Adelaide?
PORT ADELAIDE 20. 13 133 def
KANGAROOS 5. 16 46
