By Travis Parnaby
Port Melbourne's new look, taller forward line produced immediate results in the grand final rematch against North Ballarat at TEAC Oval today.
The Borough crushed a hapless North Ballarat by 78 points, with imposing twin towers Adrian Bonaddio and Adrian Deluca combining for nine goals. The Borough slammed home eight final quarter goals to deliver a 20 13 (133) to 7 13 (55) first-up win for coach Gary Ayres.
Bonaddio believes Port Melbourne's new forward line - that sees Bonaddio team with recruit Deluca and a resting ruckman - would be a major threat in season 2009.
"It's great to have Adrian (Deluca) back, North Ballarat do well to zone up but with more targets they can't amn up on everyone, the five-goal hero told ABC TV after the match.
"We have guys like Jono Mullins and Sam Dwyer at the ground level and they are class players."
Dwyer was a consistent ball winner all day, accumulating 27 possessions and capping the day with two goals.
"I was happy with the way I went, good team effort," Dwyer told ABC TV, adding that the Borough's tall targets was a plus.
"It means you can kick the ball in long and have confidence. The boys bring it to ground."
Asked if last year's grand final loss to the Roosters was on the players mind, both Dwyer and Bonaddio said the club was looking forward.
"We tried not to think about it too much, that's in the past," Dwyer commented.
"We should be up there again hopefully."
Dwyer was one of several ball magnets as the Borough dominated possession, racking up 279 to 236 disposals. Ruck rover Toby Pinwill found the footy 20 times, John baird continued his 2008 form with a 19-touch effort and new recuit Nathan Batsanis from Box Hill added dash and drive from a wing for 18 touches. Other contributors included Stephen Brewer (20 possessions) and Sam Pleming (18 possessions) who mopped up nicely in defence.
Best for the vanquished was Billy Driscoll, who slotted three goals from 22 possessions.
Port Melbourne took control from the opening bounce, with a greater intensity and desire to win possession. At the heart of the victory was Port Melbourne's persistent pressure that troubled the Roosters. Such was the lack of space and time, the Roosters turned it over 21 times compared to just six by the home team. Horror errors in their defensive arc resulted in two easy Port Melbourne goals to Bonaddio and Pinwill and coach FitzGerald has some work to do ahead of the Roosters round two clash.
Final scores:
Port Melbourne 3.5 8.9 12.11 20.13 (133)
| North Ballarat 1.3 3.5 5.12 7.13 (55)
GOALS:Port Melbourne: Bonaddio 5 Deluca 4 Dwyer 2 Pinwill 2 Cain 2 Mullins Burstin Baird McMahon Robbins
North Ballarat: Driscoll 3 Edwards Stephenson McMahon White
BEST:Port Melbourne: Dwyer Baird Deluca Dillon Pleming Pinwill
North Ballarat: Clifton Goodes Driscoll Edwards Sewell White
Last Modified on 17/04/2009 11:57