Despite a markedly improved performance in Round 7, Port Melbourne have suffered defeat at the hands of the Southern Saints on Saturday Afternoon. The Saints prevailed; 6.9.45 to 3.4.22 in a wet and windy affair at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Usual suspects Emily Harley and Beth Wilson both scored a goal apiece whilst Olivia Flanagan and Chanelle Slater both converted two majors to lead the way for the Saints. 

In what was a hotly contested ball-game, Kaitlyn O’Keefe and Courteney Bromage landed eleven and ten tackles respectively, while first gamer Freya Taylor impressed on debut with eight tackles of her own. 

Lisa Davie returned to the side and picked up where she left off with thirteen disposals and a game-high 7 marks. Defensive partner in crime Olivia Barton continued her fine run of form in 2022 with the Borough’s highest possession tally of seventeen.

Young star Kate Adams was fantastic all day with eleven disposals and five marks, whereas co-Captain Claire Dyett played arguably her best game all season with fourteen touches and four tackles.

Utilising a strong breeze, Port Melbourne started strongly through a well-taken Beth Wilson set shot from the pocket. Sarah Dargan was the beneficiary of a fortunate 50-metre penalty as she kicked truly and led Port to a seven-point margin at the first break. 

The Borough were left goalless in the second term while the Saints piled on the pressure, yet remained kind on the scoreboard. Errant goal kicking for the Saints might have swung the contest in their favour, but only resulted in an eleven point half-time lead. 

Emily Harley was crafty in scoring her only goal for the day, helping swing the momentum towards her Borough counterparts as Port reached the final change with the wind in their sails and a strong belief amongst the group.

Goals to Alana Woodward and Chanelle Slater stifled a would-be Borough comeback, however the scoreboard was not indicative of the effort displayed by the Red & Blue all day. 

Port Melbourne return home to ETU Stadium next Saturday afternoon in an exciting double-header. A 4pm contest against the winless Bulldogs awaits, as the Borough continue their search for win number two this season.

Southern Saints 6.9.45 def Port Melbourne 3.4.22

– Andrew Papanikolaou

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