Power shock! Port overtake Blues in statement win

PORT Adelaide redeemed itself in the second game of week five with a 35-point win over Carlton at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

Just five days after being introduced by Richmond in the first of their midweek football games, the Power showed they had learned their lesson with an 8.10 (58) to 3.5 (23) win over the Blues .

Carlton were quick to get on the scoreboard through Darcy Vescio, but after going two points ahead at the first change, Port went ahead thanks to a strong mark from Gemma Houghton, the resulting shot on goal heading straight into the atmosphere through the big sticks .

A goalless third quarter was broken by Blues ruck Breann Moody with a confident kick that temporarily closed the gap, but the Power responded quickly with Sachi Syme heading over for just her second career goal.

Carlton were not willing to go down without a fight, Jess Dal Pos scoring early in the fourth quarter to bring the Blues back to within 10 points of the Power. But port forward Julia Teakle wasted no time responding with the first of four unanswered Power goals to cement their victory.

The chemistry between Carlton forwards Mia Austin and Celine Moody wasn’t there at all in Sunday’s match, with the latter at times getting into Austin’s prime spot and struggling to hold territory. Power defenders Amelie Borg and Ange Foley feasted on this disorganization, providing a solid base to fight back.

Without star midfielder Abbie McKay, who missed with an adductor injury, and freshman midfielder/forward Lila Keck, Carlton struggled to move the ball through the middle.

POWER v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

Sophomore midfielder Meg Robertson (20 disposals, five tackles) exited in the second quarter with a knee injury, but faced a return to the clash with braces on the injured knee.

The last time they met
In round three of the seventh AFLW season in 2022, Port Adelaide 4.3 (27) drew with Carlton 4.3 (27) in a nail-biting game. The Blues trailed by 13 points at half-time and threatened to go over the top of the Power – holding them scoreless in the final term. Debutant Lily Goss had a chance to secure the win in her first game, but her free kick was short as the final siren sounded.

Further on
In week six, the Blues host second-placed Brisbane at IIKON Park on Saturday night. Port, meanwhile, will fly to Perth in a bid to secure a place in the top eight with their match against West Coast at Mineral Resources Park also on Saturday night after the Carlton clash.

PORT ADELAIDE 1.1 3.5 4.8 8.10 (58)
CARLTON 1.3 1.5 2.5 3.5 (23)

GOALS
Port Adelaide: Houghton 2, Levicki, Syme, Teakle, Window, Saint, Moloney
Carlton: Vescio, B. Moody, Dal Pos

BEST
Port Adelaide: Dowrick, Moloney, Scholz, Houghton
Carlton: Sherard, Guerin, Hill, Pound

injury
Port Adelaide: Zero
Carlton: Zero

rEPORTS: Null

The crowd: 1706 at Alberton Oval