From the Northern Stand: R17

Posted in From the Northern Stand tagged Round Review by Dan

Showdown’s are always special, the 27th edition was extra special for a number of reasons. The possibility of a top four position for the Tri Colours is still on the cards even after crashing back down to earth at the hands of St Kilda just 7 days ago.

No matter how the two teams are traveling there is no guarantee of the result prior to the match. There was a distinct air of confidence among the Crows supporters, there was also a need to continue our rcent hot form and prove once again that we are the premier side in South Australia. The omission of Dean Brogan would ensure that Brendan Lade would have the uneasy task of taking on Maric, Sellars and The Tip.

After much hype the Tippett banner version 2 finally made its first appearance. The double sided tribute to the young Adelaide gun forward was unveiled alongside the first edition. We decided to head down to the ground early for a lunch with the people we sit around in the Northern Stand and partake in a few pre-match ice cold beverages.

Early in the match the signs were not promising, Port Adelaide were looking attacking and kicked 4 straight goals to lead at the first break. In his first game back from a season ending knee injury in 2008, Brett Burton slotted our only two majors of the first term.

Their accuracy did not continue into the second quarter and Adelaide was able to turn the tables and kick all 7 goals of the second quarter. The opposition was clearly not up to the task and lacked the competitive spirit that the 19th man had brought to the Double A M I.

Guided by back to back goals by the captain, and a strong northerly wind which at one stage left those safely nestled in the northern stand wondering if they were in the outer we were able to hit back with a devastating force which would have wiped the smile off even the most confident Port Adelaide supporter.

Even when kicking into the wind in the third term we matched the efforts of a second rate opposition with an inaccurate quarter assisted with a number of rushed behinds. At the end of the premiership quarter we had a handy lead and would be coming home with a wet sail and the assistance of the northerly breeze.

The door was wide open to put the game beyond doubt and that is exactly what occurred in the final quarter. Keeping a goal a quarter average the Birdman kicked our first goal of 6 straight majors to ensure that the Port supporters who did leave early made the right decision.

After a humiliating 70 point loss at the hands of the cross-town rivals, there is a distinct element of doubt that the wharfies will make the final 8. If they manage to scrape through they could be faced with the arduous task of a young and fierce Adelaide outift, who are looking very hungry for September success.

Snake count for the match:

19 Pale Ales pre match
8 TEDS to half time
A 2nd half I wish I could remember
(If you know what happened to my 3rd and 4th term feel free to leave a comment)

(1 votes, average: 1.00 out of 5)

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