The hard-running Power defied 37-degree heat and unveiled some exciting new youngsters in the 4.19.8 (158) to 2.8.14 (80) win, also receiving encouraging service from a host of recycled recruits.
But it was experienced midfielders Dom Cassisi (23 disposals and 10 clearances) and Steven Salopek (16 possessions and nine inside 50s) that drove the big win and set up the third round clash with the Western Bulldogs.
The Power entered half time 19 points clear but emerged in the second half to boot nine of the next 10 goals as their direct game style paid off in spades.
Rookie Cameron Hitchcock (four goals) mounted a strong case for pre-season elevation with a livewire performance in the forward line, while youngster Mitch Banner (three goals) also caught the eye.
Coach Mark Williams praised both youngsters after the game and said they had each been challenged to lift, Banner during the pre-season and Hitchcock at half-time when he had one disposal to his name.
“He’d hardly touched the ball at half time and it was really concerning us that that was a poor choice at selection,” Williams said.
“We actually talked to him and gave him a challenge at half time and it was outstanding to see how he came back.
“Mitch (Banner) has moved along quite quickly. He’s a very determined guy and he was challenged over the pre-season to get his body right. It was great to see him kicking some goals and delivering with some hard stuff.”
With Warren Tredrea missing, recycled players Cameron Cloke and Jay Schulz gave the Power forward options kicking two goals each, while former Brisbane Lion Scott Harding was also impressive.
Back-up ruckman Justin Westhoff was convincingly beaten in the hit-outs, but his 23 possessions, two goals and five inside 50s were important in a versatile performance.
With West Coast ruck duo Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui operating together for the first time, the Eagles dominated the hit-outs 41-10, but Port Adelaide was the better side at ground level, roving cleverly to its opponent’s taps.
Top clearance players Matt Priddis and Daniel Kerr were rested for West Coast, with Brad Ebert, Chris Masten and Luke Shuey taking responsibility for the centre square alongside Adam Selwood.
Shuey (24 possessions and five clearances) was the big positive for West Coast on a tough night, while Selwood (25) and Masten (28) won plenty of the ball.
“I was really pleased with the attitude of the younger players that were going through [the centre square],” Worsfold said.
“Some of the players that won plenty of the ball and worked really hard for us [were] Shuey, in close to his first game, (and) Masten and Ebert were doing a mountain of work for us.
“(But) we’ve got plenty of work to do and tonight was pretty disappointing.”
Beau Waters made a drama free return to football after 18 months sidelined with an elbow injury, although one of his early involvements - a courageous effort running back with the flight - prompted a nervous hush.
Port will head to Etihad Stadium for next week’s clash with the Bulldogs and Williams suggested he will freshen his squad with a host of players rested from Saturday’s win.
Tredrea and midfielder Travis Boak will play, while lead ruckman Dean Brogan is also possible inclusions.
West Coast is bound for the NAB Challenge series and can call on the rested Shannon Hurn, Andrew Embley and Ash Hansen as well as Kerr and Priddis.
West Coast 0.4.2 1.5.9 1.6.10 2.8.14 (80)
Port Adelaide 1.4.3 1.9.4 2.16.6 4.19.8 (158)
GOALS
West Coast: Nine-point goals: Shuey, Ebert Goals: LeCras 2, Lynch, McKinley, Naitanui, Nicoski, Brown, Kennedy
Port Adelaide: Nine-point goals: Harding, Westhoff, Pearce, Hitchcock Goals: Hitchcock 3, Banner 3, Cloke 2, Schulz 2, Davenport 2, Harding, Thompson, P Stewart, Westhoff, D Stewart
BEST
West Coast: Shuey, Selwood, Masten, Brown
Port Adelaide: Cassisi, Salopek, Hitchcock, Westhoff, Pearce, Banner, Harding
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Port Adelaide: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, Ryan, Bowen, Jennings
Official crowd: 16,231 at Subiaco Oval
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
