1. Wingard responds to critics
Expectations are high whenever Chad Wingard takes to the field but in 2018 he’s failed to deliver. However, the star responded to his critics with a strong performance against Richmond. On Friday night he spent more time in the midfield and got the confidence-boosting opening clearance of the contest. He finished with 31 disposals, seven clearances and eight tackles, but importantly stood up when the game was there to be won in the fourth quarter.

WATCH: Wingard and Wines put on a show

2. Castagna's high-flying highlight
In a pressure cooker fourth quarter Jason Castagna put in an early contender for mark of the week. Castagna got a sweet ride on Power defender Tom Clurey and a lift of the legs made the aerial highlight even more impressive. Importantly he went back and slotted the goal that put the Tigers within 11 points of the home side.

3. Travel tames Tigers again
The Tigers remain deserving favourites for this year's flag but they haven't displayed their dominant form away from Melbourne. They were beaten by the Crows in round two by 36 points and fell to West Coast by 47 points in Perth in round nine. Their record in Friday night footy away from home isn't flash either with their last win three years ago. If they stay true to form, Richmond is likely to earn home finals but the interstate record must be of some concern. 

PORT'S POWERFUL STATEMENT Full match coverage and stats

4. Hot Hoff quarter ... then goes cold
It was vintage Justin Westhoff when Port Adelaide was feeling the heat, collecting 11 possessions and a goal in the first quarter. He was proving a real headache for Richmond with his mobility and versatility around the ground. But the tall had little influence after half-time in a performance that would have frustrated supporters. His performances are not always statistically dominant but he still remains one of the Power’s most important players. Expect Port to offer him a new contract next year given he’s been a stronger performer this year.

 

5. Rance and Dixon go head-to-head
It was refreshing to see a one-on-one contest between Port Adelaide's monster forward Charlie Dixon and the best full-back in the business Alex Rance for most of the match. Dixon has been under fire following a lean start to the season and won an early wrestling contest in the first quarter. Rance gave away a free kick for a holding decision in the third term but his Power opponent didn't make him pay. Dixon finished with 13 possessions, four contested marks and kicked a goal while Rance had 17 disposals and three contested marks as well. An even battle that footy purists would’ve loved.