1. First impressions count - Power recruits win over fans
Port Adelaide was praised for its recruiting and it didn’t take long for the team’s new players to fire up the Adelaide Oval crowd. The home side’s first goal came through a Jack Watts snapshot, Steven Motlop streamed through the midfield and converted on the run while Tom Rockliff’s new teammates swamped him after he made the most of a second-quarter set shot from 40m. Watts finished with three goals and Motlop’s second, a dribble effort in the third term, highlighted why the Power chased him during the off season.
SHOWREEL: Power recruits light up Adelaide Oval
WATCH: Watts and Motlop get rolling for Port
2. Ryder injury sours Power victory
Port Adelaide has developed depth in most lines but there’s a huge chasm between Paddy Ryder and the rest of the club’s other ruck options. The 30-year-old hobbled to the bench and was immediately put on ice in the third quarter against Fremantle with what appeared to be a left Achilles problem. Charlie Dixon and Justin Westhoff competed hard against Aaron Sandilands but the Power’s plans rely heavily on Ryder tackling the lion’s share of tap work in 2018. They might have to shift to plan B.
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3. Adelaide Oval nightmare continues for Dockers
It’s the shortest road trip for the WA sides but Adelaide Oval continues to be a dreaded destination for Fremantle. They’ve only won once at the venue and more pain was inflicted on Saturday night. In the Dockers' last five games at the Adelaide Oval, their average losing margin is 68 points.
WATCH: McCarthy cracker lights up Freo
4. Promoting youth pays off for Power
Port coach Ken Hinkley copped plenty of criticism for selecting Todd Marshall for last year’s elimination final against West Coast when Jackson Trengove was languishing in the SANFL. Fast forward six months and Trengove is a Bulldog and Marshall can hone his craft in the forward 50 while Dixon and Watts attract the opposition's best tall defenders. The 19-year-old finally got reward on the scoreboard, kicking four goals in just his fourth AFL game.
WATCH: Port young gun shows his skills
5. Long wait over but tough comeback for Alex Pearce
After two broken legs and a 672-day wait, Pearce made his long-awaited return to the Dockers line-up. Charlie Dixon collected 20 disposals and a goal but the 22-year-old defender made the Power forward earn every kick. It was a busy first-up game but it’ll be a confidence boost for a highly rated player looking for a solid block of games.
