It was a heavyweight clash that finished in a total knockout.
Port Melbourne was ruthless yesterday as it muscled its way past a legitimate contender in Williamstown.
The Borough slammed home five unanswered goals in a final-term assault to run away with a 47-point victory.
The relentless pressure that Gary Ayers demanded of his players suffocated the hosts and turned a 10-point three quarter time lead into a 16.17 (113) to 9.12 (66) triumph.
Champion full forward Dean Galea finished with six goals, while Toby Pinwil was everywhere, collecting 30 disposals in an impressive return from injury.
Shane Valenti was also prominent in his first match of the season, bagging two goals playing across half forward and showing why he is regarded as one of the competitions’ best.
The Borough’s intensity was obvious from the first bounce but a few lapses in concentration allowed the Seagulls to kick the last two goals of the term and seize a seven-point quarter time lead.
The ascendancy would be short-lived.
Four consecutive goals allowed Port Melbourne to take control with key forwards Adrian Bonaddio and Galea both prominent, before the Seagulls again found late goals to bridge the gap to five points at the main break.
A similar pattern followed in the third term as the Borough’s lead stretched beyond three goals before some indiscipline play kept the Seagulls within striking distance at the last change.
But there would be no stopping the visitors with Galea bagging the first two goals of the final quarter to begin a run of five that put an end to the contest.
Ayres was full of praise for his players for getting the points at Williamstown, an achievement he said had been beyond Port Melbourne for the past seven years.
“Winning away from home is extremely important and just with the long-jam of about five sides on the ladder…it’s important to get some space between us and them,” he said.
“Our pressure acts today were something we identified as needing to lift... and I think the boys were great in that area and achieved one of the best wins in the history of the club.”
Sam Pleming, in his 150th game for Port Melbourne, amassed 20 possessions to be one the Borough’s best, while the returning trio of Pinwil, Valenti and Danny Hughes all played significant roles.
But Ayres said it wasn’t about individuals but rather every player playing their role.
“It’s a fairly simple philosophy we have; know your role, play your role and accept your role,” he said.
“The guys are aware that there is internal pressure to play well. Chris Cain didn’t play today, Nathan Batsanis and Billy Burstin both played in the (AFL Victoria) Development League.”
“If we’re going to improve as a club its going come from our depth.”
Anthony Anastasio finished with two goals for the Seagulls, but the hosts had few genuine winners.
Christian Howard was one who found plenty of the ball across half-back and youngster Lachie Hunter had his moments, but none of the Seagulls’ prime-movers ever really got going.
Both the Seagulls and the Borough enjoy a rest over the Queen’s birthday weekend, although Gary Ayres’ side will be in action in the Foxtel Cup next Tuesday night against West Adelaide.
Last Modified on 03/06/2013 09:31