Port grind out win over Suns
Port Adelaide overcame a gritty Gold Coast to claim a nine-point AFL win on Saturday.
The Power survived a late rally by the undermanned Suns in wet conditions at Metricon Stadium to secure a priceless 7.14 (56) to 7.5 (47) victory.
The win is the Power’s second in seven matches and keeps their hopes of a top four finish alive.
Gold Coast’s hopes of a maiden finals berth appear almost certainly over following their third loss in four games since captain Gary Ablett’s season-ending shoulder injury.
The Suns’ defeat was compounded by injuries to Charlie Dixon (quad), Jack Martin (ankle) and Danny Stanley (shoulder) while Greg Broughton was ruled out before the game with an elbow injury.
Port, who omitted Angus Monfries before the match, were behind at quarter-time and halftime despite dominating possession and territory.
Their strong numbers told in the second half, however, as they hit the front midway through the third term.
They appeared to be coasting to victory before the Suns’ rallied, with Dan Gorringe and Harley Bennell scoring late in the fourth to give the hosts hope.
However, the win was sealed for the Power when Chad Wingard coolly slotted with less than three minutes to go.
Bennell finished as the game’s only multiple goalscorer with two, while he also picked up the most disposals of the game with 27.
The Suns take on Essendon in Melbourne next weekend, while Port Adelaide host Carlton.