SPEARHEAD Charlie Dixon has kicked four goals to help Port Adelaide overwhelm Richmond by 41 points and climb into the top eight.

The Power jumped from ninth to fifth spot on the ladder with a hard-fought 16.20 (116) to 11.9 (75) win on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.

POWER v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats

After a tight initial three quarters, the Power booted four goals to none in the final term. 

"A fair bit of credit to Richmond, when they stay close...it builds a bit of belief," Port coach Ken Hinkley said after the match.

"They were able to get the ball through us a little bit too easily at times.

"It was always going to take a bit of time...it took right until the end."

Port half-back Dan Houston was instrumental in the victory with 25 disposals and Dixon's scoring was supported by three goals from Mitch Georgiades and two from Willie Rioli.

Captain Connor Rozee (24 touches) also booted two majors, Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines (32 possessions) and ex-skipper Travis Boak (24, one goal) were prominent, while Jordon Sweet ruled the rucks.

The last-placed Tigers were brilliantly served by Daniel Rioli, who gathered 28 disposals and kicked two goals, and Rhyan Mansell slotted three goals.

07:09

Highlights: Port Adelaide v Richmond

The Power and Tigers clash in round 19

Published on Jul 20, 2024

Stalwart Dion Prestia (24 disposals, one goal), on-baller Jacob Hopper (25) and Jayden Short (23) were also busy, but the Tigers remain anchored on the bottom with two wins.

Richmond veteran Prestia kicked the opening goal as the visitors started strongly but failed to cash in on the scoreboard.

00:37

Prestia's banana beauty a terrific Tigers start

Dion Prestia bends through an elite running checkside to open proceedings

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The Tigers at one stage had 16 to six inside 50s but a late Willie Rioli goal gave Port, propelled by 21 disposals between ex-captains Wines and Boak, a 4.2 to 3.3 edge at quarter-time.

The teams then traded goals in the second stanza as the Power gained ascendancy but, like their opponents in the first term, failed to fully convert.

00:34

Lethal Rozee only needs a moment with fine finish

Connor Rozee finds a pocket of space and slots his side's first major

Published on Jul 20, 2024

Port kicked 3.6 to 3.3 for the quarter and held an eight-point break at half-time despite the visitors boasting the two leading ball-winners to the break, Rioli (21 touches) and Prestia (18).

In the third term, Richmond snuck within one point when Rhyan Mansell slotted his third goal with a superb snap from a tight angle.

00:38

Insane Mansell boundary bender wows all

Rhyan Mansell wins the contest and curls through an incredible GOTY contender

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But the Power rallied with three goals in less than three minutes to create a 20-point advantage with five minutes remaining in the quarter.

The Tigers again rallied with two late goals and a Kamdyn McIntosh strike reduced their deficit to 10 points at three-quarter time.

In the last term, Port forward Dixon converted a set-shot early to sap Richmond's resistance - the Power kicking 4.8 to one point in the fourth quarter.

00:33

Evans flashes onto scene and the finish is supreme

Francis Evans crumbs brilliantly at pace and drills his first major of the night

Published on Jul 20, 2024

"We were really happy with the way we were tracking for three quarters," Richmond coach Adem Yze said.

"But we weren't happy with the way that we finished: we got smashed at clearance, smashed at inside 50s."

Age doesn't soften this beast
After 65 games with Gold Coast, Charlie Dixon celebrated his 150th match in a Port Adelaide jumper on Saturday night, kicking two goals and being the physical presence the Power needs as they seek a second flag. Port has a swag of good tall forwards - think Jeremy Finlayson, Mitch Georgiades and Todd Marshall - but Charlie brings a physical presence that affects defences and makes them nervous. His is a priceless quality in the quest for a flag.

Charlie Dixon celebrates during the round 19 match between Port Adelaide and Richmond at Adelaide Oval, July 20, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

Rioli again proves his worth
As the Tigers look to rebuild there has been plenty of talk of their anticipated post-season activity, with one conversation revolving around whether Daniel Rioli will stay or be traded to Gold Coast for a rumoured two first round picks at the National Draft. Whatever happens, the triple-premiership hero again showed how valuable he is. Rioli was his side's best player with a team-high 28 disposals and two goals off half-back. Now 27 years old but with plenty of good football ahead of him, it will be intriguing to see what the future holds.

Daniel Rioli celebrates a goal during the round 19 match between Port Adelaide and Richmond at Adelaide Oval, July 20, 2024. Picture: Getty Images

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, Dixon, Wines, Houston, Boak, Butters
Richmond: Rioli, Prestia, Mansell, Baker, Hopper, Campbell

INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Rozee (hip)
Richmond: Nankervis (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES
Port Adelaide: Quinton Narkle, replaced Ollie Lord at three-quarter time
Richmond: Tyler Sonsie, replaced Toby Nankervis at three-quarter time

Crowd: 27,704 at Adelaide Oval