Port the real deal

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AFTER all the off-field point scoring in the lead-up to yesterday's historic first Showdown at Adelaide Oval it was always going to come down to football — and right now Port Adelaide is simply a better side than the Crows.

We're constantly told how form goes out the window when these teams meet but the talent gap between South Australia's two clubs was rammed home yesterday.

Adelaide and Port Adelaide players took part in a tribute to Dean Bailey. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

The Power have made every post a winner since Ken Hinkley took over, making it into last year's finals series when the Crows couldn't and posting a strong win in round one.

And the momentum shows no signs of stopping after yesterday's 55-point win left them unbeaten this season and in a great position to challenge for the top four in 2014.

In contrast, the Crows' finals hopes look increasingly reliant on the successful return of key forward Taylor Walker from a long-term knee injury.

The first bounce of the first Showdown at the renovated Adelaide Oval. Picture Calum Robertson Source: News Corp Australia

For all the talk about its new look attack this summer the reality is Adelaide's forward line features one genuine star in Eddie Betts and a bunch of B graders.

That's probably a bit harsh on Mitch Grigg — who continues to impress — but the rest just aren't doing enough.

James Podsiadly was poor again, Lewis Johnston fumbled away opportunities and it was easy to forget Shaun McKernan was out there when he wasn't rucking.

Matthew Lobbe has the distinction of kicking the first goal at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Adelaide managed to kick just 11 goals and most of them came from the midfield. The Crows also have some convincing to do about the other line they regularly trotted out over summer — how they're an improved running side.

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After being heavily outscored by Geelong in the final term in round one, the Crows were unable to stay with Port's runners during a one-sided opening term.

Led by the blistering speed of Jared Polec and the enormous appetite for gut running of Brad Ebert and Justin Westhoff, Port put Adelaide to the sword.

The Power built a 28-point lead by outworking their opponents and putting the Crows defence under enormous pressure.

Ollie Wines was at his bullish best and kicked two long goals as a result of Adelaide turnovers. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

At the other end, Adelaide regularly found itself breaking down inside its forward 50.

It's only goal of the first quarter was an end to end play finished by Johnston but that was the result of slick ball movement rather than fine forward play.

Scott Thompson tried to give the Crows a lift in the third term, but the Power put the clamps on for there on. Picture Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

Power rookie Jarman Impey was entrusted with the job of minding Betts and stood up well against Adelaide's most dangerous forward in the early stages.

But after scoring his opener from a free kick, Betts gained momentum and did his best to drag Adelaide back into the contest with three second quarter goals.

It was all about the fans in the end and Robbie Gray gave them plenty to smile about. Picture Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

Hinkley had warned his players there would be periods in the game where they had to defend for their lives and it came early in the third quarter.

With Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Matt Jaensch and Scott Thompson leading the way, the Crows managed to steal the lead by kicking the first four goals of the quarter.

Adelaide showed the form that allowed it to hang with the Cats for three quarters at Simonds Stadium but you always sensed it wouldn't last.

Mitch Grigg and Travis Boak get up close and personal. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

Hinkley responded by shifting Tom Jonas on to Betts and the versatile defender managed to stop the former Blue from adding to his goal tally.

But it was an unlikely hero who stepped up when Port needed it most. John Butcher would not have ranked too highly on anyone's list of potential Port match-turners but it was the maligned key forward who helped the Power regain control midway through the third.

Butcher calmly slotted a set shot to give Port back the lead before setting up another with an accurate pass from the half forward line.

Aerial photos from the 7 News helicopter of the first AFL game at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, Pic. Dean Martin Source: News Corp Australia

Chad Wingard — who was quiet for his standards in the first half — joined the party too and the Power's lead was back out to five goals at the final change.

Given Port's fourth quarter record it was always going to be more than enough. Adelaide will find Adelaide Oval more hospitable when it looks to avoid falling in a 0-3 hole against Sydney at home next weekend.

But for now it's Port Adelaide's oval.

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PORT ADELAIDE 19.14 (128)

ADELAIDE 11.7 (73)

BEST

PORT — Hartlett, Ebert, Schulz, Cornes, Wingard, Wines, Monfries.

CROWS — Smith, Sloane, Douglas, Betts, Jaensch.

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