28/06/2008 11:30 PM
The Western Bulldogs have claimed temporary ownership of top spot on the ladder with a 54-point win over a depleted Port Adelaide outfit at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night.
After a tight first quarter, the Bulldogs exhibited their prowess as a premiership contender in the second as they blasted the Power away with an eight-goal-to-two effort, ending the contest in the process, and running out 20.15 (135) to 11.15 (81) victors.
Ryan Griffen helped himself to 13 touches, nine marks, three inside 50s and a brilliant running goal from 50 metres out in the decisive first half and was the catalyst for the avalanche of goals in the second term – the Bulldogs kicked six in a row from the 17-minute mark to the 32-minute mark of the stanza.
However, the 21-year-old's best-on-ground performance was soured when he left the field in the final term clutching his hand with what appeared to be a seriously dislocated finger.
The Dogs also showcased their plethora of avenues to goal with Jason Akermanis, Brad Johnson and Scott Welsh combining to slam home 10 goals and they were three of 11 goalkickers in total for the winners.
Akermanis continued his brilliant year and made light work of a Shaun Burgoyne tag helping himself to 19 touches, seven marks and 4.1 across the forward line.
The Power entered the match with four players who were getting their first taste of senior footy for the year, and it showed.
Although the Power were right in the contest for the first quarter-and-a-half, they simply made too many skill errors going forward when the game was up for grabs and the Bulldogs made them pay with superior ball use.
Port Adelaide's inability to make the most of its attacking forays was highlighted by the fact that it led the inside-50 count 29-28 at half-time yet trailed by 45 points and eventually had one less inside 50 for the match (57-56).
There were also moments where the Power were totally bereft of organisation. One such incident saw Johnson spot up Nathan Eagleton all by himself 40m out from goal late in the second term despite as many as 14 predominately teal guernseys occupying the Bulldogs' forward 50. Eagleton duly slotted the ball through the big sticks.
Adam Cooney (33 touches) and Daniel Cross (34) were other dominant players for the victors while Eagleton (23, 10 marks, 1.1) put in a very impressive showing and supplied his side with plenty of valuable run.
Port Adelaide can consider itself lucky that Kane Cornes' wife gave birth on Friday because if he was by her side while the match was being played the scoreline may have made for some much more painful reading for the Power.
Cornes registered a game-high 41 possessions and was a workhorse in the engine room.
The Power's uninspiring final three quarters was capped off by David Rodan who converted a beautiful snapshot for goal on an acute angle from 35m out 22 minutes into the final quarter.
However, after celebrating, Rodan realised that he had kicked the ball the wrong way and in fact rushed a behind for the Bulldogs.
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.4, 11.9, 16.12, 20.15 (135)
PORT ADELAIDE: 2.2, 4.6, 9.10, 11.15 (81)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Johnson 3, Welsh 3, Griffen 2, Hill 2, Ray, Eagleton, Hahn, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Boyd.
Port Adelaide: Westhoff 2, Gray 2,