PORT Adelaide's off-season recruiting spree has paid immediate dividends with Jack Watts, Steven Motlop and Tom Rockliff all impressing in a 50-point thumping of Fremantle at Adelaide Oval.
However, the big win could come at a hefty price with All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder sitting out the second half with an injured left Achilles.
Ryder's injury was the only sour note on an otherwise outstanding performance as Port looks to become a genuine premiership contender.
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The Power turned on the afterburners in the second half to run away with a comprehensive victory – 16.14 (110) to 9.6 (60) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Ryder left the ground in the third quarter and didn't play any further part in the game.
After missing the 2016 season because of the Essendon supplements saga, the 29-year-old was sensational last year, being named the premier ruckman in the League and winning Port Adelaide’s best and fairest.
The crowd of 38,324 rose as one when big-name recruits Watts, Motlop and Rockliff booted their first goals for their new club.
SHOWREEL: Power recruits light up Adelaide Oval
Watts was busy, finishing with three goals from six scoring shots, Motlop (19 disposals, two goals) created havoc with his pace and both of his six-pointers were spectacular, especially his second from the boundary with the outside of his right boot, while Rockliff worked his way into the game in his return from a knee injury.
WATCH: Watts and Motlop power up
In just the fifth game of his career, 21-year-old Riley Bonner was outstanding for the Power across half-back with 31 disposals, including 20 in the first half, finding plenty of the footy and delivering the ball beautifully.
Winger Jared Polec (29 disposals), defender Darcy Byrne-Jones (28 disposals, 15 contested) and midfielders Ollie Wines (28) and Brad Ebert (28) were busy.
Skipper Travis Boak (26 disposals, 11 contested) was influential through the midfield and half-forward, athletic forward Todd Marshall booted four goals and veteran Justin Westhoff covered plenty of territory on the wing.
Talking points: Port Adelaide v Fremantle
"It was a good, strong start to the season, playing Freo, who were up and about, so we knew the dangers in that," Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said.
"It was a really hot day for the players.
"To get through with a 50-point win is pleasing."
For the Dockers, prolific midfielder Lachie Neale worked hard, key defender Alex Pearce – playing his first game in 672 days after complications with a broken leg - kept Power spearhead Charlie Dixon in check and senior leaders Nat Fyfe (22 disposals) and Aaron Sandilands (52 hit-outs) battled for the whole game.
Andrew Brayshaw – last year's No.2 overall draft pick – had some nice touches in his 12 disposals, while rookie-listed Bailey Banfield (12 disposals) worked hard as a defensive forward.
WATCH: Cam McCarthy curls in a cracker
The Power led by 39 points midway through the second quarter, but the Dockers responded with three quick goals to narrow the margin to 21 points at the main break.
That's as close as Fremantle would come as Port Adelaide booted six goals to two in the third term to lead by 46 points at the last change.
“We were pleased at the start, we sort of jumped out, competed, got in, little bit of repeat entries but couldn’t put it on the scoreboard, and then they just counter punched with a couple of easy goals … that was probably the story of the day,” Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.
“It might not seem like it on the scoreboard, but at times we were right in the game and were going forward and we just didn’t execute."
The Power will welcome back the suspended Robbie Gray for next Sunday's clash with Sydney at the SCG.
MEDICAL ROOM
Port Adelaide: All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder injured his Achilles in the third quarter and played no further part in the game. He'll get scans on Monday to determine the extent of the damage, but will definitely miss next Sunday's game with Sydney.
Fremantle: No major injuries for the Dockers, but skipper Nat Fyfe received some treatment to his foot. He was able to play out the game.
NEXT UP
The Power take on Sydney at the SCG next Sunday, 4.40pm (AEDT) with the opportunity to start the season 2-0. Meanwhile, the Dockers play their first home game at Optus Stadium when they host Essendon next Saturday night at 5.10pm (AWDT).
PORT ADELAIDE 4.3 8.7 14.10 16.14 (110)
FREMANTLE 1.4 5.4 7.6 9.6 (60)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Marshall 4, Watts 3, Wingard, 2, Motlop 2, S.Gray, Ryder, Dixon, Rockliff, Boak
Fremantle: Langdon, Sandilands, Walters, McCarthy, Matera, Taberner, B.Hill, Fyfe, Wilson
BEST
Port Adelaide: Westhoff, Boak, Watts, Bonner, Wines, Marshall
Fremantle: Neale, Fyfe, Sandilands, A.Pearce
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Ryder (Achilles)
Fremantle: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hay, Williamson, McInerney
Official crowd: 38,324 at the Adelaide Oval
