It's a warm welcome to all our viewers who are tuning in for tonight's big clash between Port Adelaide and Melbourne and we hope you enjoy our program. Tonight looks set to be an exciting match with both teams fired up after some pre-match sledging occurred yesterday. Both teams need a victory badly - Port will not want to slip further down the ladder and Melbourne would love to get a chance to take the iniative and get themselves into a good position as the season starts. With this clash being just the third round, the ladder has not yet materialised so we aren't yet clear of the standard of the two teams, but it seems that Port Adelaide have more experience and skill in their line-up, so it will take a very good showing from Melbourne to come away with anything.
The latest selection news is that Melbourne are electing to keep Austin Wonaeamirri and Jack Grimes as emergencies only and will not be taking part in the match. Blake is excited about Wonaeamirri and earlier today after he finished up a light training session he spoke to the media, assuring them that if Melbourne were to lose tonight that Wonaeamirri would be almost a certainty.
Well, earlier this round we saw some very interesting matches as the two top teams went down to the two predicted top teams in a strange contest. First up we saw the 12th placed winless Geelong come up against top of the table Collingwood, however the Magpies were no match for a rampaging Geelong who destroyed them, and then the winless 16th placed Saints who were tipped to be serious contenders in 2009 finally picked up a win, beating the Eagles in a good victory. With a few upsets on the cards already, what will happen in this match?
Mitchell Farmer and Jacob Surjan are confirmed to be in the side now for Port Adelaide with Matthew Lobbe and Droadbent both out of the team, whilst surprisingly Blake made no changes to his side which he has now branded the 'Junior Demons'. Down at the ground it is a freezing 9 degrees celsius and there is a light wind blowing to add to these shocking conditions. The sky is patchy and rain may be on the way, but the fans and players would sure hope not. These are poor conditions for footy, but in the end it will definitely determine who is the best side and who wants to win the most. The crowd will be updated later in the match with the official tally.
Port Adelaide win the coin toss and they have elected to kick with the breeze early. So, let's get down to the match where play is about to begin.
1ST QUARTER
The Demons won the first possessions of the game with Brad Green almost snapping a goal in a fluent bit of play. Clint Bartram had another chance with a set shot just seconds after the kick-out from just 29 metres out, but his shot missed. Melbourne had sprayed 2 early chances in less than a minute, with both goals definitely kickable. It was a good start for Melbourne but they would be disappointed with their goalkicking.
Thankfully for Melbourne a minute later the ball fell into safe hands, with Bate taking a strong one on one contested mark to lineup for goal on a 50 degree angle from not too far out.
The ever-handsome Matthew Bate takes a strong overhead contested mark
Bate comfortably went back and slotted the goal, to give the Demons the early start. Just two minutes had passed and Melbourne were leading 8-0 which was a superb start for them and hopefully a sign of things to come.
Still after five minutes it was all Melbourne, with Port Adelaide yet to get even close to scoring. However, inaccuracy was hurting them. Paul Johnson and Russell Robertson had both missed chances which they could've scored from - Johnson's kick from 48 just faded away to the far post and Russell Robertson's hurried kick only dribbled in for a point.
Warren Tredrea had the Power's first chance on goals as he took an uncontested mark deep inside Port's forward 50. It looked like a certain goal, but Tredrea made the novice mistake of failing to kick through the ball, and it swung away. The conditions were making it tough to kick straight but there had been some woeful errors so far from the players.
Halfway through the term and there had barely been a change to the score. It was turning out to be a tough match, with both teams playing very physically. Melbourne were working hard and looked the slightly better team so far, but Port could easily get back into the match as they only trailed by 8 points. Soon Blake decided to inject Jack Watts into the game and it had an immediate effect, with Watts getting two early marks and a few long kicks to push his team forward.
Melbourne's kicking woes continued, however. Melbourne had two more chances with Bartram and Sylvia lining up the big sticks from medium range, but both shots sprayed out for behinds. Finally it was Brad Green who stopped their kicking woes, finishing off a good bit of movement to kick the second goal for the Dees. Green had been touted by some as one of the best finishers in the game and he was doing no harm to his reputation here by kicking that goal.
Port Adelaide hit back quickly though, playing some more inspired footy after Green's goal for the Demons. They won the ball out of the centre, kicked long into their forward 50 and as it turned out it fell into the hands of Toby Thurstans, who went back and booted the comfortable major to get Port's first goal on the board.
Toby Thurstans celebrates after kicking the goal
After quarter time just three majors had been scored in the match and it was looking set to be a tough battle at AAMI. The hostile Port crowd were beginning to get rowdy and if it continued this way there would be a few sore bodies tomorrow.
Quarter Time: Port Adelaide 1.2.8 Melbourne 2.8.20
Port Adelaide Goalkickers: Toby Thurstans 1 Top Possessions: P. Burgoyne 13, Lower 9, S. Burgoyne 8, Chaplin 6, Thurstans 4
Player Watch:Nick Lower has been excellent so far for Port Adelaide. The 21-year old has picked up 9 touches from the back flank and the centre but he hasn't been afraid to carry the ball and Port Adelaide will be pleased by his efforts. Lower has already had three rebounds for his team alongside 3 clearances when he went on the ball. He isn't wasting his possessions and he has an 100% effiency rate with his disposals so far - a positive sign for the future.
Melbourne Goalkickers: Brad Green 1, Matthew Bate 1 Top Possessions: Green 11, Davey 8, Bruce 7, Rivers 6, Watts 6
Player Watch:Brad Green has led the way for the junior Demons, kicking a goal to steady the ship as well as picking up 11 touches through the half forward flank. His direct opponent Peter Burgoyne has also had plenty of the ball, but Green has had more of an impact than Burgoyne. Green has been one of the best in the forward line for his team so far and he will need to continue his work to keep Melbourne going. His finishing will be a huge part in this game, with goals hard to come by.
Brad Green dodges and weaves before kicking Melbourne's second goal
With Port Adelaide trailing by just 12 points after the first quarter, they were still definitely in the game. However, Melbourne had dominated the first quarter with 10 scoring shots to 3 and were looking the better team early. Could Port fight back and reduce the Demons' early lead? Port Adelaide had provided a hostile crowd so far and they would not be happy with their team's first quarter display. The attendance tonight is 23,398.
2ND QUARTER
Port Adelaide quickly won the ball and had a chance inside their forward 50, but it turned out to be nothing as the Demons rebounded it. However, upon entering their own forward 50, Melbourne made no mistake in handing the ball to Aaron Davey. Davey had perhaps the most accurate left foot in the game and he proved just how good he was by kicking a brilliant goal from just outside 50 metres. It was an excellent goal and now the morale of the Demons was high, as they led by an even 3 goals. Port Adelaide needed to get back into the match.
Aaron Davey breaks free of a tackle before kicking a sensational goal
With Melbourne now on top of Port Adelaide, the Power weren't looking quite so dangerous. They struggled to move the ball forward and they seemed to be almost afraid of going directly through the corridor. Meanwhile, the temperature had dropped further to a chilling 6 degrees. There was no need for an ice bath in conditions like this, that's for sure.
At the halfway mark of a so far uneventful second quarter, Port had added just one point to their quarter-time tally and they simply were looking out of the match. Melbourne were playing far better footy although they still weren't exactly up to the class of Collingwood, Geelong or St. Kilda. Still, they were leading a good team by 17 points away from home which is never an easy feat and the integrity of the Demons players had to be commended.
With only 7 minutes remaining before half-time, Melbourne extended their lead further. Their kicking had been dead straight this term, and they had added two goals to their 2.8 at quarter time which was a good sign for them. This time it was Russell Robertson who nailed the goal - a fine long range effort from a tough angle. It was one of Robbo's specialty shots - he had kicked more than one goal from a set shot on a tough angle a long way out, and this was no exception.
Robertson remains calm after kicking an excellent goal to give the Demons a further advantage
Port Adelaide finally rebounded not too long later, again hitting back within the space of a minute to counter Melbourne's goal. This time it was small midfield/forward Danyle Pearce kicking the goal, running into space and then slotting the goal from just 22 metres out. It wasn't a tough shot but it was that sort of night for Port Adelaide. Thankfully he kicked the goal to keep them in the game, getting the margin back to 17 points.
Despite Pearce's goal, Port Adelaide had found it tough to score and the junior Demons defense had to be commended. Colin Garland, Kyle Cheney, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers and James Frawley made up 5 of the 6 defenders for the Demons and all of them were under 25, which was an extremely encouraging sign for the future for Melbourne.
Aaron Davey had been having a solid game, kicking an important goal, but now he really stamped his importance on the game. With the clock running down in the second quarter Davey found the ball somehow from a pack, side-stepped Nick Lower with ease and put on his incredible accelerator to brush past another tackle. In the end after his brilliant run he managed to convert the goal, his left foor shot swinging straight through the middle with commendable accuracy. Port Adelaide were in a world of trouble now and they needed to find a goal quickly before half-time if they wanted to stay competitive in this match.
Davey puts on a startling burst of speed to break the pack before kicking his second of the quarter
Danyle Pearce had the opportunity to do just that for Port Adelaide, and kick a goal. After numerous amounts of handballs, they finally worked it through David Rodan to Danyle Pearce on his own just 30 metres out. Pearce steadied himself, and had the shot from a stand-still with just 0:02 remaining on the clock. His shot looked to be heading in the right direction...
but it veered late with the wind and bounced back off the woodwork, recording a frustrating point for Port Adelaide. It was a good quarter for Melbourne, who kicked 3.1 to Port's 1.3, and at half-time the Demons were leading well in a tough affair at AAMI Stadium.
Half Time: Port Adelaide: 2.5.17 Melbourne: 5.9.39
Port Adelaide Goalkickers: Danyle Pearce 1, Toby Thurstans 1 Top Possessions: P. Burgoyne 25, Lower 16, Thurstans 12, Pearce 10, S. Burgoyne 10
Player Watch:Peter Burgoyne is bordering on unbelievable after racking up a cool 25 possessions in the first half alone. He is on set for a massive 50 possessions for his team, which would be insane. Burgoyne has fought tremendously hard through the midfield and backline, with 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s and 3 rebound 50s. He has a severe case of leather poisoning already this game and he is showing his true brilliance here, almost getting possessions for fun. Burgoyne has been involved in multiple plays through the middle and backline to give his team a spark, but the rest of his team, unfortunately for him, don't seem to be responding to his superb efforts.
Missing In Action: The Cornes brothers have had just 6 possessions between them up to half time - something that must almost be an all-time low for the two combined. They haven't had any impact on the game and neither have them have seen the ball much. With just 3 possessions each, they both desperately need to lift their game. They have played 78 minutes between them, so there is no excuse right now for their woeful amount of disposals, compared to Trengove who has only played 9 minutes for no touches.
Melbourne Goalkickers: Aaron Davey 2, Russell Robertson 1, Brad Green 1, Matthew Bate 1 Top Possessions: Bruce 17, Green 17, Davey 16, Warnock 14, Jones 14
Player Watch:Aaron Davey has perhaps had the biggest impact on the game right now after a superb second quarter in which he gathered 12 possessions and kicked 2 goals for his side to give them a comfortable lead. Davey was unusually quiet in the first quarter but he found some superb form in the second quarter. He kicked a thumping long range goal on his trusty left boot before displaying some flashes of individual brilliance by dodging multiple tackles to kick his second goal later in the quarter. Davey is a key part of Melbourne's forward line and he is playing superbly right now.
First of all, thanks for posting and keeping me going. I wouldn't continue this if nobody supported so I'm glad you are all enjoying it - that goes to Roofrom50, OffCutters, Covvy, Hedger, Hooper and everybody else who is posting. I am also glad to see you like my story Dez, it's nice to see some fresh faces here.
Game Day - 3rd Quarter
Blake and Mark Williams have both had long discussions with their respective teams and now they are ready to battle it out for the second half. Blake's junior Demons have been performing exceptionally alongside their experienced teammates and as a result Melbourne have raced off to a solid lead at halftime. In a freezing, scrappy encounter at AAMI Stadium it is Melbourne leading the Power 5.9.39 to 2.5.17. Do Port have what it takes to come from behind here and record the victory? Or will the young Dees hang on for the second half, and move higher up the ladder - we will find out as this match unfolds.
3RD QUARTER
Melbourne got off to a great start when Paul Johnson went back and booted a nice goal just one minute into the quarter after Troy Chaplin's kick from deep in the backline fell into his hands. Paul Johnson was playing well at full forward, and despite the tall ruckman/full forward not having the best kick on him, he managed to steer his shot through from 40 metres out to give the Demons a big advantage now, in tough conditions. This was exactly the start Port Adelaide did not want and Mark Williams would not be happy now with his side's woeful start to the third quarter.
With Port Adelaide trailing now by 28 points in woeful conditions for football, there were now some doubts if they could even make it back into this match. They were kicking with the wind this quarter, so they needed a few goals now whilst they had the wind behind them. However, one would think that if Melbourne remained in front by more than 3 goals at the three-quarter time interval, then Port Adelaide wouldn't be good enough to come back with the Dees kicking with the breeze in the last quarter.
A few more minutes passed in the third quarter with Port Adelaide still unable to score a goal, which left their fans getting restless. Port Adelaide needed a spark, but who could provide it right now? Would it be from Peter Burgoyne? Or from soneone who hadn't done anything yet today. But in the end, finally it was small forward (although built like a brick house) David Rodan who got one back for the Power. Rodan managed to find some space in the forward 50 and in the end took an uncontested chest mark just 35 metres out. He desperately needed to kick the goal for his team but thankfully he delivered and Port were back into the contest.
Melbourne still had a comfortable lead though and they weren't going to let it die now. Despite the frantic chants for Port Adelaide being built up by the frenzied crowd, Melbourne were still leading comfortably in these poor conditions and goals weren't exactly easy to come by right now, so their lead was still comfortable. However, the Demons restored it back to the original margin just minutes later, as Paul Johnson found the ball on the lead 40 metres from goal and scraped a wobbly shot in. Johnson's set shot wasn't exactly pretty, but in the end the helicopter punt just had enough legs and wobbled through for a goal.
With the lead back out again, Melbourne began to relax. This was their worst move of the night though, and Port seized the opportunity. Melbourne cleared it early from the centre bounce, but Port immediately won the ball from the contest and began to move it forward. Suddenly, the crowd got behind them again, lifting their home-town boys to produce something. And this time, it was Kane Cornes to provide the something. Cornes received the pass 55 metres out from goal, faked a handpass to get around Warnock, before thumping a long kick home from 45, as the home crowd got back into the game, delighted with the play.
Kane Cornes prepares to fake the handpass before stepping around his defender and kicking the goal.
It was just 3 minutes later when Port Adelaide went on the attack again. After some passing through the midfield by Melbourne which resulted in a weak turnover, Port Adelaide seized the ball and banged it in long through the middle of the ground. Josh Carr won the ball from the half forward line and bombed it deep into his forward line where Port were outnumbering Melbourne two to one. The Melbourne defender had no chance against both Pettigrew and Westhoff, and Pettigrew in the end took an outstretched mark.
Pettigrew stretches for the ball as Westhoff takes out his opponent
With the chance to get his side back into the game completely and give Melbourne a scare, Pettigrew took the initiative and followed through with his kick beautifully, sending it plenty of rows back and straight through the middle as Port continued their onslaught to the junior Demons who were starting to look very nervous.
With still 7 minutes remaining in the third quarter, there was plenty of time for Port to continue their momentum, and they did just that. Domenic Cassisi finally found some of the footy from the middle and thumped it long from the centre bounce. The pack contested and the ball spilled free near the boundary line where it was rushed over. However, Dean Brogan tapped it down superbly into none other than Kane Cornes' hands who was having a sensational third quarter. Cornes stepped around an opponent before snapping a goal from 30 metres out on a very tough angle. It was a sensational shot and the crowd was almost at fever-pitch now. It was a 6-point ball game now, and Port Adelaide were looking brilliant.
Taken directly from the live footage as Cornes kicks another goal for the Power
The huge numbers in the Port crowd get behind their side. Melbourne's supporters are literally outnumbered 200:1 here
The next few minutes was a very nervous period for Melbourne, who seemed almost scared of making mistakes and who weren't playing with their old confidence - inexperience showing in their young team. Thankfully, their defenders lifted up a notch and managed to keep Port Adelaide scoreless by providing quite a few rebound 50s for the next five minutes. Port Adelaide were relentless now and hungry to take the lead, but to their credit the young defenders played superbly for Melbourne and managed to stop Port's goal spree temporarily.
As the clock ticked down to three quarter time with just a minute remaining, it seemed that Melbourne had done well to halt Port Adelaide's adrenaline rush which had given them all the momentum. Brent Moloney had the chance to relieve the pressure further, as he took a set shot with just thirty seconds remaining on the clock - however, his shot skidded away to the far side and was never in danger of scoring. Neither side scored again before the break - but now a very interesting game was set up. It was an excellent quarter by Port Adelaide to get them right back into the game, and this looked like it could go down to the wire.
Three Quarter Time: Port Adelaide 6.9.45 Melbourne 7.10.52
Port Adelaide Goalkickers: Kane Cornes 2, Danyle Pearce 1, Michael Pettigrew 1, Toby Thurstans 1, David Rodan 1 Top Possessions: P. Burgoyne 30, Lower 19, Boak 18, Gray 17, S. Burgoyne 15
Player Watch: A superb quarter from Kane Cornes helped his side get back in the game. Cornes had 7 possessions for the quarter, but what really mattered was his two individual goals. They gave his team the spark to get back in the match and force the young Demons under pressure. His brother Chad Cornes also lifted, winning 8 disposals for the quarter, and now the Cornes brothers were back in action, inspired after the half time break. Can Kane Cornes lift his team to victory?
Melbourne Goalkickers: Aaron Davey 2, Paul Johnson 2, Russell Robertson 1, Brad Green 1, Matthew Bate 1 Top Possessions: Bruce 26, Green 22, Davey 20, Jones 20, Moloney 18
Player Watch: As per usual, midfielder Cameron Bruce is dominating play again. Bruce is no stranger to winning the footy, which is shown by his current AFL ranking of #3 in disposals. Bruce is fighting hard in poor conditions and has 26 disposals to his name. Bruce has delivered the ball inside Melbourne's forward 50 four times now through the game and has rebounded it twice. Bruce is winning a lot of the ball which could help his team in the last quarter. Melbourne have the wind behind them to finish off the game, but do their young side have enough experience to hold on for victory?
Nooo, c`mon give it all you got in the last quarter i hate seeing Port Adelaide win. I just hate it. I expect Brucey to finish the game with 43 posessions Btw heres a tip get one of your players to just give some hard elbows into them Port Adelaide guts. Good luck mate. Btw no problems, always good to post in great stories like these
Well, well, well. What a cracking last quarter we have lined up here, this should be a thrilling finish to what has been a very competitive, albeit scrappy match. After Melbourne controlled the first half and the early minutes of the third quarter, Port Adelaide rebounded with a flurry of goals to draw within 7 points of the Demons. Melbourne do have the wind behind them to finish off this last quarter, but the result will ultimately depend on which side wants to win more and who is more desperate. Blake has given his players a rev-up at three quarter time and it will be interesting to see if they can hang on.
4TH QUARTER
This is it - the last quarter where the match will be decided. What an atmosphere!
Both teams fought hard for the ball early with fresh legs, keen to get on top of the other team. Melbourne were the first to threaten as they moved it inside their forward 50 early, with midfielder McDonald thumping it long to a pack. However, the danger seemed clear when Shaun Burgoyne won the crumbs from the pack and handpassed it backwards to Nick Lower who was in space. It was now that the disaster happened, though, as Lower attempted a handpass across goals under pressure to Chad Cornes. Brock McLean sprinted across, attempting to intercept the handpass with his outstretched hand and...
Can he intercept it?
...managed to knock the ball forward to his hands, before running into an empty goal square and smashing the ball into the back of the crowd, getting the Dees off to a great start.
That was the least of the Power's worries though. It seemed they hadn't come out to play now for this final quarter where it all mattered. The Demons worked it again through the midfield as Bruce hit a long ball forward to a small pack that was building deep in Melbourne's forward line. Nobody marked it, but it was none other than Russell Robertson who somehow managed to scoop up the ball and snap it across his body from an impossible angle whilst he was tackled immediately. The damage had been done though and the look on Robertson's face says it all after his shot somehow snuck through the big sticks.
Robertson is delirious after snapping a beautiful goal
But the match wasn't over yet - there was still 15 minutes to go in this last quarter and anything could happen - which indeed showed just a minute later. Shaun Burgoyne ran through the middle of the ground after receiving a pass into the open space, and kicked it long to the goal square where it was just Robert Gray and Colin Garland contesting. Garland managed to get the fist, but it bounced straight back into Gray's hands and he snapped it back over his head for a brilliant goal, and suddenly it seemed Port Adelaide had found their feet again, getting back into the match as their fans lifted the intensity.
At least one thing had been made certain from this encounter - the crowd here at AAMI was unforgiving. After Nick Lower received the ball, the crowd actually booed him as he went to take his kick - they were still angry after he cost them the early goal in the final quarter. It was unfortunate for Nick Lower who had previously played so well, and he raised his hand and headed for the interchange bench - the youngster's confidence shattered.
Port Adelaide still had to worry about the game though as the clock began to wind down. They still trailed the Demons by 13 points, with just 11 minutes remaining in the final quarter. Again, their momentum had wound down after their goal and now they seemed to lack energy. Somebody now needed to provide the spark, similar to what Kane Cornes had done by kicking two goals in the third quarter for the Power. But where was their rolemodel now? It surely couldn't be Domenic Cassisi, who had picked up just 7 disposals for the entire game, playing right in the middle of the ground.
Two more minutes passed and still Port Adelaide hadn't added any scoreboard pressure. They needed someone to kick a goal soon, or else Melbourne would get on top of the match. This was perhaps the most crucial stage in the game for Port - the make or break stage of this game.
But then... what do you know? Robert Gray somehow managed to find the goals from an incredibly tight angle with one of the goal of the year contenders. It was an unbelievable effort from Gray and now his team were just 7 points behind and right back in it. What an effort from Gray - his team were lifting now and so was the captain Cassisi, which showed from the next bounce.
The crowd suddenly finds their feet after Gray's miracle effort
Cassisi won the ball from the centre and immediately thumped it long, where none other than Robert Gray and Mark Jamar were contesting. Mark Jamar was a big bloke, but he lacked aerial and defensive skills and the ball skidded off Jamar's outstretched fist backwards. Gray used his body to get front position and soccered the ball off the ground for another inspirational goal - Gray had two in a minute and Port Adelaide WERE 1 POINT BEHIND.
Melbourne needed to hang on desperately - they were fighting by the skin of their teeth. The Power had all the momentum, and the Demons looked like they were about to just throw it away. They led by just 1 point, with 7 minutes remaining. Could they hang on? What a finish this looked set to be.
This was where Melbourne needed someone to steady it, to kick a goal here. Who would it be now to win the game for the Demons - did they have a genuine matchwinner in their team?
Perhaps they did, it seemed, as Aaron Davey delivered the ball to Brock McLean who took a brilliant overhead mark inside the forward 50. It was a 80 degree angle kick though which was never easy, and despite McLean's best efforts the ball couldn't find its way through the big posts, scraping in for a behind instead. What a tense finish now - 5:00 remaining, and Melbourne led by just two points. Coach Blake was frantically making changes, interchanging his tired players and bringing on fresh legs, as well as dropping a spare man in defense to attempt to save the match.
Melbourne were fighting desperately. They were tackling ferociously, and running on empty. The tough match had taken its toll but still, Melbourne were fighting valiantly. The time ticked down even further, with Melbourne looking to delay Port scoring by holding it up.
Soon there was just 2:30 left on the clock, but the ball was locked inside Port's forward 50. It only required one person to win the ball now for Port Adelaide and kick a goal to win the match. 150 seconds left. 2 point lead for Melbourne. How would this end?
4th Quarter - 2:32 Port Adelaide 9.9.63 Melbourne 9.11.65
C`mon Brucey just snatch out of your defensive 50, run 100m and kick a goal from 50m out, since your so good at FFX Great match though, very close one, but you`ve got to win this.
150 seconds left. 2 point lead for Melbourne. How would this end?
Melbourne needed to clear the ball from Port's 50 and quickly. Thankfully Sylvia won the footy, and delivered it to Bartram, who in turn gave it off to Whelan, who kicked it outside the 50. Now was the time to shine for someone to stand up, and it was none other than Jack Watts, who took a diving chest mark 60 metres out from Port's goal. He held it up, before chipping it to Russell Robertson.
Robertson handpassed to Davey, to Green before Green's spearing kick was intercepted by Lower who was determined to make up for conceding the early goal. Lower thumped it long, but it only made it so far as Brock McLean on the 50 line, who was determined to save the match.
It wasn't long before somehow Port Adelaide forced the turnover. The crowd was willing them on, screaming, sensing there was not long left. The ball fell into the hands of Robert Gray, who delivered a thumping long ball to the top of the goal square. The pack formed.. and TOBY THURSTANS HAD DONE IT! TOBY THURSTANS TOOK A SENSATIONAL GRAB-- BUT NO! The umpire's whistle broke up the celebrations - the umpire pointing towards Colin Garland, signalling a free-kick to Melbourne. At this point, the Port Adelaide fans went ballistic, swearing and cursing at the umpire and pelting anything they could find. Surely, that was it for Port Adelaide.
Indeed, it proved to be. Melbourne, after receiving the free kick, moved the ball long to their forward line where Aaron Davey received a free kick with just 30 seconds remaining courtesy of Nick Lower. Davey made no mistake, sealing the deal with a beautiful left foot goal, much to the fury of the Power fans. They could not believe what had just unfolded in front of them, but in the end it was Melbourne hanging on for a thrilling 8 point victory.
What a last quarter of football. Simply unbelievable.
The small section of the Melbourne crowd is loving it after their team's thrilling victory
The Melbourne boys are ecstatic on their way to the changerooms
Full Time: Port Adelaide 1.2 2.5 6.9 9.9.63 Melbourne 2.8 5.9 7.10 10.11.71
Quarter by Quarter: Port Adelaide 1.2 1.3 4.4 3.0 Melbourne 2.8 3.1 2.1 3.1
Port Adelaide Goalkickers: Robert Gray 3, Kane Cornes 2, Toby Thurstans 1, Danyle Pearce 1, Michael Pettigrew 1, David Rodan 1
Top Possessions: P. Burgoyne 34, Boak 29, Gray 27, Lower 26 Top Marks: Boak 11, Gray 10, Brogan 9, Thurstans 6, P. Burgoyne 6 Top Tackles: S. Burgoyne 4, Pearce 3, Chaplin 2, Surjan 2
Melbourne Goalkickers: Aaron Davey 3, Paul Johnson 2, Russell Robertson 2, Brock McLean 1, Matthew Bate 1, Brad Green 1
Top Possessions: Bruce 35, Green 29, Davey 26, Whelan 24, Jones 23 Top Marks: Robertson 10, Green 9, Watts 8, Bruce 8, Frawley 8 Top Tackles: Moloney 5, Watts 5, Jamar 4, Bruce 3, Frawley 3
Points Scored
20: (PORT) Robert Gray (3.2)
18: (MELB) Aaron Davey (3.0)
13: (MELB) Paul Johnson (2.1)
13: (MELB) Russell Robertson (2.1)
12: (PORT) Kane Cornes (2.0)
8: (MELB) Brad Green (1.2)
8: (PORT) Danyle Pearce (1.2)
7: (MELB) Brock McLean (1.1)
6: (MELB) Matthew Bate (1.0)
6: (PORT) Toby Thurstans (1.0)
6: (PORT) Michael Pettigrew (1.0)
6: (PORT) David Rodan (1.0)
2: (MELB) Clint Bartram (0.2)
1: (MELB) Colin Sylvia (0.1)
1: (MELB) Brent Moloney (0.1)
1: (PORT) Warren Tredrea (0.1)
1: (PORT) Shaun Burgoyne (0.1)
Man of the Match: It was Brad Green earning MOTM honours today for his superb performance throughout the midfield and forward line. Green provided 5 inside 50s to his team and was crucial in the latter stages of the match. Although Green didn't amass as many possessions as Bruce, he had a bigger impact due to his effectiveness of delivery and his goal in the first quarter. It was a great game from Brad Green, one of the best finishers in the game, and he will definitely be pleased after collecting the honours today.
Melbourne Best and Fairest Voting 8: Brad Green 7: Cameron Bruce 6: Aaron Davey 5: Russell Robertson 4: Brent Moloney 3: Matthew Whelan 2: Paul Johnson 1: Nathan Jones
Match Statistics Kicks: Port Adelaide 169-231 Melbourne Handballs:Port Adelaide 160-155 Melbourne Disposals: Port Adelaide 329-386 Melbourne Marks: Port Adelaide 73-109 Melbourne Goals: Port Adelaide 9-10 Melbourne Points: Port Adelaide 9-11 Melbourne Free Kicks:Port Adelaide 19-17 Melbourne Hit Outs: Port Adelaide 31-39 Melbourne Tackles: Port Adelaide 25-37 Melbourne Inside 50s:Port Adelaide 53-42 Melbourne Rebound 50s: Port Adelaide 29-36 Melbourne Clearances:Port Adelaide 37-34 Melbourne Clangers: Port Adelaide 37-42 Melbourne
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I expect Brucey to finish the game with 43 posessions 
Good luck mate. Btw no problems, always good to post in great stories like these 
