‘Disaster’ matchup backfires badly … it was one of 13 fails on a grim night: Port player ratings
Toby Greene #TobyGreene
It was a grim night for Port Adelaide as it was bundled out of the finals in straight seats on its home deck.
With it came fails to half the team in what won’t make for great reading for fans.
Every Port Adelaide player rated out of 10 from its semi-final against the Giants.
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Power overwhelmed by orange tsunami | 01:27
2. Sam Powell-Pepper
On a tough night for Port forwards, Powell-Pepper was a victim of his side’s poor ball use and limited opportunities. 3
3. Ryan Burton
The defender had the big assignment on Toby Greene — and it didn’t start well. The Giants skipper kicked two goals in the first quarter to really separate the game. Burton then appeared to get moved off him later in the game, such was the one-sided matchup. “He’s just had his head in the spin, he doesn’t know how to keep ahold of Toby Greene,” Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy. Roos legend David King added: “He’s out the back on every occasion and that’s the disaster, you cannot give Toby goal side, you have to arm bar … at times he’s not watching the flight of the ball anymore, he’s that rattled.” 2
4. Todd Marshall
Beaten by Sam Taylor. Looked a bit shaky early until kicking his first goal late in the opening term. Ended with two majors on the night, and like last week, struggled to have an impact. 5
5. Dan Houston
Continued where he left off last with another strong showing, racking up 22 touches and team highs in contested possessions (12) tackles (seven) and marks (six). One of few Port players who actually had a crack and can hold his head high. A great season from the gun halfback. 7
6. Kane Farrell
Had 18 touches running off half back with a team-high 642 metres gained. Provided some run and carry where his side otherwise lacked it . 5
7. Xavier Duursma
Didn’t seem to have much impact playing an outside game. 4
9. Zak Butters
Just wasn’t quite at his best, even though he never stopped trying. Had 25 touches, but only went at 60 per cent efficiency. After a particularly quiet first half, really lifted — and lifted his side — with 11 disposals in the third. But outside of that, struggled to impact like he can. 5
10. Travis Boak
If, as expected, this was the veteran’s last game, he we went out fighting — epitomising his career. Had 21 touches, 11 of which were contested, with 625 metres gained and a team-high eight intercepts. 6
11. Jeremy Finlayson
Started as the sub after being dropped from the starting 22, and upon coming on in the third, struggled to get into the tempo. 2
12. Trent McKenzie
Started on Jesse Hogan — and the Giants forward got off the leash — kicking three goals of his four goals in the first quarter and a bit. Had Hogan kicked straighter (4.4), it would’ve been a mauling. A night to forget for McKenzie and more evidence why Port needs more defensive help. 2
14. Miles Bergman
Bergman continued his strong season with another solid performance including some nice moments in defence. Unlike some of his teammates, at least he had a crack and knew when it was his time to go. 6
15. Willie Rioli
Kicked two goals in the first quarter where he was probably Port’s best player. Looked dangerous all night, finishing with three majors as one of his side’s best. 7
16. Ollie Wines
Just not the same player he once was, not helped by being forced out of the midfield. Still managed 16 touches, six of which were contested. Curiously only played 60 per cent game time. 5
18. Jason Horne-Francis
The youngster had some electric moments, but struggled to put it all together across four quarters. Ended with 20 touches, nine contested and one goal with 444 metres gain. Worse for wear after copping a poke to the eye early, but overcame it to kick the club’s second goal of the night to give his side a big lift. 5
20. Connor Rozee
Resembling of his side’s form on the night, was just off the boil. Had 17 touches and lacked presence as part of a midfield that were dominated. The rising superstar has had a superb couple of years, but this was a night to forget. 4
21. Aliir Aliir
Didn’t have his usual influence as GWS constantly picked apart Port Adelaide’s defence on the night. Only managed six intercepts, though in a positive, Aliir did hold Jake Riccardi to one goal. 4
22. Charlie Dixon
Other than a fourth-quarter goal, just never got involved in the game and didn’t look healthy. Switched into the ruck in the third term after Scott Lycett was subbed out, and didn’t have an impact there either. 2
28. Willem Drew
Another Port player who battled admirably in a more defensive-midfield role, tallying 18 touches, 11 contested and one goal. Kicked an important goal to open the second term to give his side the lead. 5
29. Scott Lycett
Looked sore just before half-time with an ankle issue and was eventually subbed off for tactical purposes in the third term. Not his night. 2
30. Ollie Lord
Didn’t record his first disposal until midway through the third term, but at least made it count with a goal. Unfortunately, couldn’t quite back up his brilliant finals debut last weekend. 2
33. Darcy Byrne-Jones
Came off early in the game with an ankle issue. Playing in a forward line that struggled massively on the night. 3
34. Lachie Jones
Played in defence and seemed to rotate on different opponents. A non-factor on the night. 3
41. Jed McEntee
A horror turnover in the fourth term denied the Power a shot at goal when the hosts were charging. Did lay an equal team-high seven tackles to at least show he brought pressure in attack, but a sombre night in general. 4