Power on the rise after taking despatching young Tigers
Richmond resisted as long as it could but with so much on the line Port Adelaide lifted to a strong win
By AAP with Howard Kimber
AFTER having its coach in the gun less than a month ago Port Adelaide is now only percentage away from second spot after overcoming a tenacious but underpowered Richmond on Saturday night.
The Tigers closed within one point midway through the third quarter before Port powered away to the 16.20 (116) to 11.9 (75) win at Adelaide Oval.
POWER v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats
The lead changed eleven times through the first half, but with a possible top-four finish on the line the Power lifted the pressure in the third term.
With the game still in the balance and just a 10-point lead at the final change, Port pulled away in the fourth quarter.
Skipper Connor Rozee led from the front and was his side's best player until being forced from the ground with a possible hip injury in the final term.
The star midfielder went into the rooms for medical attention but returned after a couple of minutes, running along the boundary line and appearing reasonably comfortable.
Richmond captain Toby Nankervis could also have concerns after being subbed out at three-quarter time, although the club said the move was tactical.
More to come
PORT ADELAIDE 4.2 7.8 12.12 16.20 (116)
RICHMOND 3.3 6.6 11.8 11.9 (75)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Dixon 4, Georgiades 3, Rozee 2, Rioli, L.Evans, Boak, Byrne-Jones, Lord, F.Evans
Richmond: Mansell 3, Rioli 2, Prestia, Koschitzke, Green, Campbell, Bolton, McIntosh
BEST
Port Adelaide: Rozee, Houston, Wines, Boak, Dixon, Butters
Richmond: Rioli, Prestia, Mansell, Baker, Hopper, Campbell
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Rozee (hip)
Richmond: TBC
SUBSTITUTES
Port Adelaide: Quinton Narkle, replaced Ollie Lord at three-quarter time
Richmond: Tyler Sonsie, replaced Toby Nankervis at three-quarter time
Crowd: TBC at Adelaide Oval
