Footscray too good in Port’s season closer
By Ferguson Hickey on August 22, 2023
A windy day down at DSV Stadium has seen Port Melbourne lose their final contest of the season 107 to 35.
A clear difference in talent, as Footscray were looking to lock in sixth spot whereas the Borough had no real stakes behind this final game.
Nash Holmes was a constant for the Borough, as he brought his usual ferocity around the contest to the game, finishing up with 22 touches and seven tackles.
Anthony Anastasio was solid off half-back as well, as the live wire ending the final game of the year with 19 touches.
A difficult first quarter saw Port Melbourne struggle to break down Footscray’s last line of defence, as Port Melbourne were only able to register one point for the first term.
The first quarter started off with the Dogs kicking the first goal through AFL veteran Toby McLean.
A lot of the Borough’s control of the footy came in the back half, as they were able to get plenty of uncontested marks, but were only able to capitalise on those to a limited extent with seven inside 50’s.
A tough first term sees the Borough down by 27 points going into the second.
A far more competitive second quarter from the Borough, as it saw them win the territory battle with four more inside 50’s for the term. But Port Melbourne just wasn’t able to convert as they kicked one goal and five behinds for the quarter.
The only real highlight for the first half came through Archi Manton, as he kicked Port Melbourne’s only major for the quarter and half after earning a free kick in a ruck contest.
A very disappointing first half saw the Borough go into their final half time of the season down 36 points.
The third quarter went about the same way the first half went, with Footscray showing the difference in skill levels between the two teams as the Dogs were able to capiatlise on their opportunities.
A good passage of team play gave Port Melbourne their only goal of the term, with Angus Curry and Kyle Viccars linking up to keep the ball alive and set up a Zach Adams goal.
A six goal to one term saw the Borough fall away from the game, as they went into their last quarter of the season down by 68 points.
The final term got off to a better start than the previous three for the Borough, as Tom Hofert was able to kick the first goal of the term.
It was all Footscray for the next 20 minutes of the final term, until Jake Gasper was able to give the Port Melbourne fans one last highlight to savour over the summer. Gasper kicked a brilliant dribbling goal from about 30 out as the Borough would end up going down by 72.
With the season over for the Borough they will have to watch the VFL Finals, but Port Melbourne fans look out for news for the 2024 season as well as the Best and Fairest for the VFL team and the VFLW Premiership winning team.
Port Melbourne 4.11 35 def by Footscray Bulldogs 16.11 107
Goal kickers: A. Manton, J. Gasper, T. Hofert, Z. Adams.
Twitter: @Ferg_Hickey36
