Energy upset Saints, publish fourth straight AFL victory

Port Adelaide’s AFL season is firmly again on observe, with the Energy upsetting ladder-leading St Kilda by seven factors at Marvel Stadium.

Younger gun Jason Horne-Francis racked up 11 clearances and 18 contested possessions because the Energy posted their fourth straight win on Friday night time, 12.11 (83) to 11.10 (76).

St Kilda had been held goalless within the second time period – the primary time that has occurred to them this season.

With the conflict within the stability, key place participant Jeremy Finlayson went into defence and took two essential marks late within the final quarter.

Finlayson additionally snapped the aim within the final time period that gave Port the lead once more after St Kilda had kicked the primary two targets of the quarter.

Key ahead Charlie Dixon then laid an enormous smother on Saints defender Josh Battle that arrange Sam Powell-Pepper for a aim, then Dixon marked and goalled to offer Port a game-winning buffer.

It’s a far cry from Port’s round-three Showdown loss, which prompted former Port captain Warren Tredrea to say coach Ken Hinkley’s future was untenable.

St Kilda began the sport predictably, having two much less inside 50s within the first quarter, however squeezing Port defensively.

They led by as a lot as 19 factors and had a three-goal lead on the first break.

Including to Port’s woes, midfielder Xavier Duursma harm his knee in a heavy collision with Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall and was emotional when he needed to be subbed out of the sport throughout quarter-time.

However simply when it regarded the sport was following a well-recognized script, Port modified the sport.

Assistant coach Nathan Bassett had spoken this week of the necessity for endurance and sensible ball utilization.

After their shaky begin, Port steadied and went to work to crack open the Saints.

With Horne-Francis racking up clearances, the Energy kicked 4 targets within the second time period and took a seven-point lead into the lengthy break.

Saints captain Jack Steele was on hearth within the first quarter with 11 disposals, however solely managed three within the second.

The Saints hit again with three targets within the third and briefly regained the lead, just for Energy ahead Junior Rioli to kick two himself and Port led by eight factors at three-quarter time.

The Saints had been left ruing poor choices once they went into assault.

They ended up with 5 extra inside 50s, however lacked system when the sport was within the stability.

St Kilda’s Jack Sinclair had a game-high 33 disposals, whereas Energy onballer Travis Boak racked up 30 and Marshall impressed for the Saints within the ruck.

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