1. What's happened to Port?
Port Adelaide is not only a far cry from what it was in 2014, it's also a long way off where it was four weeks ago, when it beat the reigning premier Hawthorn. Last week's loss to the Brisbane Lions was a major shock, this loss was another disappointment. The effort is still there but the Power's skill execution has been uncharacteristically poor. Chad Wingard had an excellent game but missed a simple shot on goal in the second quarter, as did Jay Schulz, who many would consider is the most reliable kick for goal in the competition. Port won the clearances (49-44) and inside 50s (53-43) but couldn't convert it on the scoreboard. It may be just small things they are doing wrong, but it's becoming a big problem as its season starts to slip away. That's three losses in a row and the Power are 13th on the ladder. Fortunately for them they remain just one win out of the top eight.
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2. The Deledio difference
Richmond barometer Brett Deledio again proved how influential he is to the Tigers' fortunes. His first quarter was electrifying with 10 touches (5 contested), three marks, two tackles, two clearances and a goal. The hot start meant Richmond was able to control the game. His ability to win the ball in the contest, penetrating kick and clean skills are what make him a star. He finished with 28 possessions (15 contested) and was best afield. Three out of Deledio's four games that he's played this season have been Tigers wins.
3. Richmond revival
This win was huge for Richmond because it takes its win-loss record to 4-4 and catapults them into the top eight. The Tigers midfield depth has been quality with Brandon Ellis, Anthony Miles, Dustin Martin and Shaun Grigg all picking up plenty of the footy. Jack Riewoldt was brilliant up forward with four goals and Alex Rance was dominant down back. Richmond has a huge two weeks ahead before the bye with t’he Dreamtime at the G' clash against Essendon in Round nine, followed by a trip to the ‘House of Pain’ against the dominant Dockers. That will be a tough task but if they can get to the break at 5-5, Damien Hardwick will be satisfied he has a solid launching pad for the second part of the season.
4. Goodbye Kane Cornes
It may have been Kane Cornes' final AFL game but he performed like he could've played many more. He lived up to his billing as one of the best taggers of the modern era with another amazing shutdown job on Richmond captain Trent Cotchin. He held Cotchin to 17 possessions while picking up 28 of his own. It shows what a competitor Cornes is. He finishes his career with 300 games (a Port Adelaide AFL record), four best and fairest awards, two All Australians and a premiership. 45,268 fans came to Adelaide Oval to send him off; among those were his family, including his famous father Graham and brother Chad. It wasn't the fitting result but in a nice touch he was given a guard of honour by both teams as he was chaired off the ground. Congratulations Kane and good luck in the fire brigade.
No fairytale finish but with 28 touches in a defensive role there's no doubting @kanecornes brilliance #farewellkane http://t.co/EZDjDjSQoW
— AFL (@AFL) May 24, 2015
5. Twilight zone
Port's season has a case of the Sunday night blues. The Power have had four Sunday twilight matches in a row and it's proving an unfriendly fixture. The first was a win in the Showdown against Adelaide when they withstood another barrage of inside 50s, but since then they've been flat. It started with a surprise loss to West Coast when Port was overrun in the second half and that was followed by what Ken Hinkley described as his worst loss at the club, at the Gabba against the Lions. Sunday night's loss to Richmond made it three in a row. Fortunately they don't have any more Sunday twilight fixtures for the season, which will be no doubt a relief for the struggling Power.