Port Melbourne on the board with win over Blues
A new look Port Melbourne have opened their account with a 23-point win over a gallant Northern Blues at North Port Oval in round two of the Peter Jackson VFL season last Saturday. On a wet Anzac Day the Borough were made to fight hard with the Blues edging to within a point early into the final term before the home side lifted to record a 15.14.104 to 11.15.81 win.
Port Melbourne small forward, Blake Pearson, was the star, booting a game-high four goals while full-back Daniel Noonan restricted the Blue’s Matthew Watsons influence after quarter-time, interim skipper Chris Cain was also prominent gathering 26 possessions. Tom Wilson (23 disposals, one goal) and Nick Graham (26) figured again in the Blue's best and ruckman Robbie Warnock’s (19) good form continued with 35 hit outs.
The Borough had several debutants in a side which has lost many games in experience while the Blues were undermanned following call-ups to their AFL partner Carlton. Former Hawk and Lion, Jordan Lisle, kicked the first major of the match but the Blues booted the next three through Watson (2) and Jordan Perry.
Port regrouped however to kick the last three goals of the quarter to take a twelve point lead into the first change. Blue's Nick Holman had the job on Port midfielder James Magner and neither player took a liking to each as players from both sides wrestled off the ball during the first half.
The Borough had increased the margin to 20-points by half-time after a four goal to two second term including a fine snap from Joshua Purcell to the cheers from the Norm Goss Stand.
The Blues came out in the second-half with purpose and found targets with their entries forward. They booted five goals to two and reduced the margin to just two points at the final change.
Port needed to halt the Blues' momentum and goals to Pearson and Tom Langford did just that. They held the Blues to one goal for the term and kicked the last three of the match to claim the victory.
The only sour note for the Borough was the injury to Guy Dickson who was carried from the field in the second quarter with a suspected broken ankle. Port Melbourne meet Werribee back at North Port in round three next week while the Blues, hunting for their first win, face a tough challenge away to Sandringham.