PORT Adelaide has jumped back into the AFL top-four after holding on for a crucial 13-point win over St Kilda at an empty Marvel Stadium.
Barely anything about Saturday’s contest was pretty as both teams struggled to convert opportunities at goal but the Power did enough to move to 12-5 and replace Brisbane Lions in fourth.
St Kilda started better to lead by 10 points at quarter-time but Port dominated most of the second and third terms, which set up the 10.14 (74) to 8.13 (61) result.
Seemingly cruising when leading by 20 points late in the third quarter, Port had to contend with a St Kilda comeback which saw the Saints briefly reclaim the lead midway through the final term.
But diabolical errors from St Kilda in their defensive half allowed Sam Mayes to put the Power back in front before Charlie Dixon eventually sealed the match with a minute to go.
While Port’s campaign is back on track, St Kilda’s is again in trouble as they fell to 8-9 with one of the worst percentages in the AFL.
Power midfielder Ollie Wines (36 possessions) produced another memorable performance to continue his outstanding season, while Mitch Georgiades’ career-best four-goal haul was like gold in a low-scoring game.
Not even prolific games from Jack Steele (37 touches) and Brad Crouch (36) were enough for the Saints to overcome their poor conversion in front of goal and sloppy ball use.
St Kilda was forced to activate their sub Jack Bytel when defender Daniel McKenzie was carried off on a stretcher after he was knocked out late in the second quarter.
Port is scheduled to host Collingwood at Adelaide Oval next Friday night while the Saints will soon head to Perth to prepare for their Round 19 clash with West Coast.
(C) AAP 2021
PORT ADELAIDE 1.0 4.6 7.11 10.14 (74)
ST KILDA 2.4 3.5 6.9 8.13 (61)
Goals: Port Adelaide: M Georgiades 4 K Amon 2 B Woodcock C Dixon O Wines S Mayes. St Kilda: R Marshall 2 B Hill D Butler J Steele J Webster M King P Ryder.
Umpires: Craig Fleer, Leigh Fisher, Robert O’Gorman.
Venue: Marvel Stadium.
