The Sydney Swans have been defeated by an inspired Port Adelaide outfit by 23 points on Saturday afternoon at Adelaide Oval, the Swans defeated 12.10 (82) to 8.11 (59).
POWER v SWANS Full match coverage and stats
The Swans started the game well, with the first three goals of the game through Lance Franklin, Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills, however Port responded with four goals of their own to take the lead into the first break.
The second quarter continued to be an arm wrestle as the Power applied pressure and restricted the Swans run and dash and it was a 4-point game at half time. However it was the third quarter where the home side stamped their authority and blew the game open with six unanswered goals.
The Swans had some chances to cut the margin back late in the third quarter but four behinds in four minutes and 2.7 for the quarter didn't help their cause.
Despite restricting the Power to two points in the final term, the damage had been done in the Power's damaging third quarter.
Isaac Heeney was Sydney's best, finishing with four goals including two in the last, along with a game-high nine score involvements. Callum Mills (27 disposals with 11 contested possessions) and Luke Parker (26 disposals with 10 clearances and five tackles) were tireless in midfield for the Swans too but their efforts were not enough and the Swans let a chance to go into the top four slip.
PORT ADELAIDE 4.3 6.6 12.8 12.10 (82)
SYDNEY 3.1 5.8 6.10 8.11 (59)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Marshall 4, Dixon 2, Butters, Rozee, Houston, Powell-Pepper, Burton, Bonner
Sydney: Heeney 4, Franklin, Mills, Hayward, Ladhams
BEST
Port Adelaide: Wines, Bonner, Marshall, Rozee, Amon, Burton
Sydney: Heeney, Parker, Mills, McInerney
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Butters (knee), Teakle (collarbone)
Sydney: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Port Adelaide: Xavier Duursma (replaced Butters in the second quarter)
Sydney: Braeden Campbell (unused)