Round 5
	V
Adelaide 12.10 (82)		Port Adelaide 14.6 (90)

Port Adelaide has secured bragging rights in Adelaide this week with a thrilling, come-from-behind eight-point win over Adelaide in one of the most absorbing local derbies to date. The Power finished full of running to record a 14.6 (90) to 12.10 (82) victory.

Both sides were missing star players going into the game with star midfielder Andrew McLeod suspended for Adelaide, while Port Adelaide had to contend with the loss of dominant ruckman and captain Matthew Primus, who failed to overcome a corked knee.Adelaide jumped out of the blocks early with exciting youngster Graham Johncock snaring the first of his two goals inside the first minute. Rhett Biglands - clearly relishing his role as the lead ruckman - was dominating the ruck duel with Barnaby French and giving his midfielders first use of the ball. The Crows had the greater sense of urgency throughout the first half, hunting in packs and attacking in waves, but failed to hurt Port Adelaide on the scoreboard and enjoyed only a 22-point lead at half-time. Port kept within striking distance with outstanding accuracy in front of goal - scoring 10 goals straight before Peter Burgoyne blotted the copybook with a behind at the 24-minute mark of the third quarter.

The match took on a different complexion after half-time, with the Power able to get its running game going and stifle the free movement that was a feature of Adelaide's game in the first half. After a quiet first half, Nick Stevens started to have an influence and Jarrad Schofield was instrumental in the Power's resurgence. By three-quarter time the gap had been closed to a mere 11 points, with Port looking the fresher of the two sides. The final term developed into an intriguing arm wrestle, with Port looking to run away with the game while the Crows hung on grimly. In the final analysis it was a Brent Guerra tackle on Mark Stevens as he streamed into goal that turned the tide firmly in Port's favour. The turnover resulted in a Burgoyne goal that gave Port the lead for the first time at the 20-minute mark of the final term. When he followed up with another major just minutes later the Power was home.

Port coach Mark Williams described the match as "one of the inspired wins of the club's history".

"I thought we played particularly poorly in the first half and if it wasn't for our accurate goalkicking we would have been out of the game," Williams said. "But you've just got to keep chipping away and keep believing in yourself and I thought it was a wonderful effort from the guys … it was really special to be able to get that result in the end."

He went on to praise the efforts of West End medal winner and best-on-ground Schofield. "He's a genuine player now, one that I really respect. I think he didn't come (from West Coast) with the complete package, but I think he's got that now - he plays the football that I like him to play."An obviously disappointed Gary Ayres lamented his side's ability to maintain focus and intensity for the full four quarters after a dominant first half. "I certainly wouldn't fault our commitment and endeavour, but what it (the result) probably does show is that against a very good side you've got to just do it for the full time that you're out there on the paddock."

My notes: All I remember about this game was that the guys I was with were going absolutely ballistic. The biggest laugh was the Asian Crows supporter sitting in front who was going right off every time they scored a goal. "Tooo Easyyy, Mayyy !!!" It was so good being there in a crowd full of Crows supporters and coming from behind to beat them.

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