Port Melbourne has shown the form that has seen them progress in to back to back grand finals, defeating the Northern Blues at Preston City Oval on Sunday by 16 points.
Port Melbourne’s pressure was enough to get them over the line with a big final quarter and a half to win 16.11.107 to Northern Blues 13.13.91, as Jarrad Conron reports.
Port Melbourne got off to a flying start kicking the first three majors of the match.
Dean Galea was able to kick two goals and looked like he was going to monster the Blues’ defence before he was forced from the field with a dislocated shoulder.
Galea’s injury left Gary Ayres with a decision to make regarding his forward line, in the end he sent Ryan Gale up forward and Gale didn’t disappoint.
"We put him (Gale) forward in the second half last week and he was instrumental and he just carried that form on today" Ayres said.
Gale kicked three goals for the match with Billy Burstin, Adrian Bonaddio, Chris Cain, Joshua Scipione and Galea all slotting two apiece.
Down the other end for the Blues, Tom Bell kicked three goals and had help from Troy Menzel, Dylan Buckley and Levi Casboult who all kicked two majors apiece.
The Blues were able to peg back the first term deficit kicking five goals to one in the second quarter to take a one-point lead into the main break.
After half time, the Blues looked like they were going run away with the match kicking the first two goals of the half.
Port Melbourne however had other ideas, kicking six goals to one for the rest of the quarter giving them a seven point lead going into the last change.
They then piled on three more majors to stretch the lead out to as much as 27 points before the Blues put in one last effort to try and steal the game.
It was to no avail though, as Port Melbourne walked away with the four points.
Port Melbourne’s pressure was the highlight of the game as they notched up a total of 82 tackles for the match.
"The guys came here in a very good frame of mind, and it showed." Ayres had to say about the win.
Chris Cain was one of many who played a pivotal role in the win with Ayres picking him as one who he thinks could be in contention come selection time for the Victorian State squad.
Alongside Cain, Sam Pleming, Joshua Scipione, John Baird and Wayde Skipper were also put into contention to don the Big V jersey.
Next week, Port Melbourne will play their first home match at North Port Oval for the season when they take on an undefeated Casey side.
"We’ve been away far too long, so it’s great to finally get back on our home deck." Ayres said.
The Northern Blues will look to get back on the winners list when the play Sandringham at Visy Park.
Last Modified on 29/04/2013 20:40