AFL LIVE: Costly win – Injury-hit Port hold off surging Saints

Charlie Dixon says he is happy to miss games whenever required by Port Adelaide’s coaching group after a four-goal return to the senior line-up on Friday night.

Coach Ken Hinkley raised eyebrows when he rested the big forward for their away match against Collingwood last week, but Dixon reaped the benefits of a week off with a strong performance against St Kilda.

“I think I want to try to play as many as I can, obviously, but Ken wants to keep me a little bit more fresh for towards the end of the year,” Dixon told Fox Footy.

“So whenever they make the call, which they did last week, obviously, I’ll do what they want me to do.

“I felt good out there after a week off, but, you know, I always want to play, but it’s about being fresh for the pointy end of the season.”

Power Carnage

Captain Connor Rozee, defender Aliir Aliir and forward Sam Powell-Pepper all suffered game-ending injuries in Port Adelaide’s Friday night of carnage against St Kilda.

Aliir will miss next Thursday’s Showdown against Adelaide after being dump-tackled by Saints forward Jack Higgins, who faces a stint on the sidelines courtesy of the match review officer.

Higgins pinned Aliir’s left arm and forced him to ground, the Power backman’s head slamming into the turf midway through the second quarter as he attempted to kick the ball, leaving him concussed and substituted out at half-time.

Then early in the third term, Powell-Pepper landed awkwardly while attempting a mark in attack before clutching his right knee in obvious pain and hobbling off in the hands of trainers.

The worst was to come when Rozee pulled up short on the members’ wing and immediately reached for his right hamstring.

The skipper came back on briefly but was clearly inhibited and had the hamstring iced at three-quarter-time.

Houston’s rocket

Port’s superboot Dan Houston launched a 70m torp on the run from the middle of the ground, which landed in the lap of Willie Rioli, who slipped over, recovered, turned Liam Stocker and Nasiah Wanganeen-Miler inside-out and snapped truly deep into the second period to put the Power in front. It was sheer brilliance from both men. A magic moment.

Houston’s expert intercepting and pristine ball use behind the footy hurt the Saints as much as Willem Drew’s typically hard-hatted display in the middle.

Undermanned Port won the clearances with Drew leading that charge, stepping up in Rozee’s injury-enforced absence to take out the Peter Badcoe VC Medal.

Marshall knee scare

St Kilda’s worst fears were alleviated when gun ruckman Rowan Marshall played out the match after an early knee scare.

Marshall was forced to the bench in the opening minutes and was in some discomfort while he had the outside of his left knee attended to.

The big fella looked slightly proppy on his immediate return to the field before finding his way back into the game and forcing a virtual dead-heat in ruck against Power opponent Jordon Sweet.

The loss of their No.1 ruckman would have added devastating injury to insult for the sagging Saints, who were brave but ultimately outclassed, unable to capitalise on Port’s errant goalkicking as they slumped to 2-5.

Port Adelaide has paid a heavy price for a gutsy 10-point win over St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.

The Power kicked poorly – 11.16 to 11.6 – and are now 5-2 heading into the Showdown next week, but lost three players throughout the course of the night – Aliir Aliir (concussion), Sam Powell-Pepper (knee) and Connor Rozee (hamstring).

Powell-Pepper was taken from the ground soon after the start of the third quarter with a knee injury. He jumped for a mark, but as he landed his right knee appeared to buckle. He has had ACL issues in the past.

Aliir Aliir was subbed out of the game at half-time after his head hit the ground during a tackle.

Channel Seven commentator Luke Hodge believes Saints forward Jack Higgins will be in trouble with the Match Review Officer for the way he pinned Aliir’s arm and slung him to the turf.

But Aliir was trying to kick the ball in the process, which left him unprotected.

Port Adelaide skipper Rozee left the ground for six minutes during the third term to have his hamstring looked at, but after a short stint back on the ground was ruled out of the game at three-quarter time. He had ice on the injury when the final siren sounded.

Zak Butters celebrated his 100th game on the night, while the winner of the night’s medal was Willem Drew.

Zaine Cordy kicks a late goal for the Saints.

Power by 10 points, 40 seconds remaining.

Port looks to have sealed the game.

Jason Horne-Francis barged his way through a pack, looked to be taken high, dished the ball off to Ollie Wines, who snapped the goal.

That gives them a 16-point lead, three minutes remaining.

The Saints’ bench is still holding up a green sign. Power’s bench is holding up a red sign.

We are inside five minutes and the interchange signs are up.

The Saints bench is holding up an all green sign. Does that mean go? You bet.

The Power bench is holding up a battery, that looks to be at half charge. What does it mean? No idea. Maybe someone has forgotten to power up the Tesla.

Jack Higgins has pulled the lead back to 10 points. The Saints are a massive chance here with six minutes remaining.

Port have been hit with injuries and are running out of steam. The goal was set up by a brilliant intercept from Brad Hill.

St Kilda can no longer sit back if they are to win this match.

Jack Sinclair has trimmed the lead back to 15 points after roving off a back and dribbling the ball through for a goal. That is nine for the night for the Saints but they need three more, at least.

They have to take risks, move the ball quickly. Port Adelaide have three ruled out of the game – Aliir Aliir (concussion), Sam Powell-Pepper (knee) and Connor Rozee (hamstring) – so they are vulnerable.

Port by 15 points, inside the final 10 minutes.