For much of the season the discussion centred around Port Melbourne’s bid for a 17th premiership such was the Borough’s dominance.
The conversation seemed warranted as Port Melbourne went through the home and away season losing just the two games, finishing two games clear in top spot.
Adding to the talk was that Port Melbourne would play its first finals game at the North Port Oval where they’d lost just a handful of games in the past five years.
All that dialogue was rendered redundant after reigning premiers Box Hill Hawks exposed chinks in the Port Melbourne armoury in last week’s Qualifying Final.
Now, Port Melbourne finds itself in a Semi Final clash against Sandringham after what can only be described as an inglorious performance against the VFL Hawks.
It was hard to reconcile the Port Melbourne during home and away season to the one that repeatedly butchered the ball, made poor decisions and were badly beaten in the engine room, which had been its strength.
Admittedly, forwards Daniel Connors, Will Johnson and Julian Rowe were largely ineffective, but the supply source was spasmodic at best.
Port Melbourne now must regroup against a Sandringham team that carries momentum from a strong end to the season.
When it appeared the Zebras season would fade away they rallied to win four of the past five games, including its Elimination Final against Collingwood.
Yes, the Magpies were threadbare on AFL listed/rookie players (there was just six) but Sandringham had the services of just one more St Kilda listed/rookie players.
The Zebras would be buoyed that they were able to travel to Victoria Park and overcome the magpie army.
Now, they must regroup again as they tackle Port Melbourne, which defeated them by 29-points in Round 13 at the Trevor Barker Oval.
While Port Melbourne will run out with the relative same line-up - barring the one week tribunal decision on Toby Pinwill - it will be a vastly different Sandringham team.
In their last encounter the Zebras included 13 St Kilda players against Port Melbourne. Not too many, if any, of that group that included Sam Fisher, Tom Curren, Beau Maister, Brodie Murdoch, Blake Acres, Nathan Wright and Arryn Siposs will play in the Semi Final.
Sandringham will rely heavily on captain Adam Cockie and Kenny Ong as well as Saints Trent Dennis-Lane and Sam Dunnell - both who were delisted during the week by St Kilda.
They will also hope that Port Melbourne are still shell-shocked from its uncharacteristic performance against Box Hill Hawks.
But, Port Melbourne, who won’t be troubled by Sandringham’s height in attack as they were against Box Hill Hawks, won’t want its season to have the exclamation point of a straight set exit.
WHERE: Nort Port Oval, Port Melbourne
WHEN: Saturday September 6, 2:10pm
COVERAGE: ABC TV & VFL Radio
CLICK HERE for a preview of the Sunday Semi Final: Williamstown v Werribee
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 05/09/2014 12:25