Round 2
	V
Port Adelaide 10.16 (76)		Brisbane 13. 8 (86)

Brisbane carried off its 200-game captain Michael Voss and the premiership points with a thrilling 10-point win against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, 13.8 (86) to 10.16 (76).

Adding pain to the Power’s loss was classy on-baller Josh Francou, who will miss the rest of the season after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, and centre half-forward Warren Tredrea, might miss three games with a hamstring strain.

Both injuries happened within minutes of the first quarter, and minutes into the second, and given the huge setbacks Port produced a valiant effort.

Voss was inspirational in the expected win, the Lions’ fifth against the Power in the six meetings in less than two years.

After a tardy start Brisbane threatened to surge to a commanding lead, but Port displayed admirable tenacity under difficult circumstances and was within nine points late in the last quarter.

The game had its flaws, especially early with numerous unforced errors, but this was largely due to the intense pressure applied by both sides. As the scoreboard suggests, Port also cost itself dearly with poor kicking for goal.

Brisbane had numerous contributors apart from Voss, especially Nigel Lappin, Brad Scott and Jason Akermanis. Port did well at centre with Nick Stevens collecting plenty of touches, captain Matthew Primus was again a pillar of strength in ruck, while Chad Cornes was the best of the forwards.

Brisbane set up the win with a seven-goal burst in the second quarter, going from 12 points down to lead by 23. During this time the Lions moved the ball well, and set up positive team play through the midfield. However, when this was curtailed, through Port checking much closer, Brisbane was forced into errors and found it harder to sustain the flow. Ultimately its experience and class shone amid the pressure.

Brisbane deserved to win, but nothing could be taken away from Port because of its ability to respond in adversity.

FOOTY REPORT ARCHIVE

Click here to read in depth, sometimes controversial, but always thought provoking previous round reports...