In a thrilling showdown of the AFL elite, Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston turned the tide in the final moments with a spectacular goal after the siren, lifting the Power over the Essendon Bombers, 78-74, on Saturday at the MCG.
The Bombers had taken a strong stand, holding a nine-point lead heading into the last quarter. However, the Power proved their mettle, storming back with a compelling performance by their star-studded midfield.
It was a tale of two halves as the Power rebounded from an early lacklustre showing, kicking 2.7 in the opening quarter and missing two straightforward shots. Still, they managed to recalibrate their focus in the nick of time. Port’s newfound determination sent the Essendon defense scrambling and saw them seize their 12th consecutive win – a club record – putting them just behind the Collingwood Magpies on the ladder.
The heroic performance of the night undoubtedly belonged to Houston, who held his nerve to send a monster kick from 55m out sailing over the goal line. The drama didn’t end there as a goal review was called. All doubts were soon put to rest as replays clearly showed the ball crossing the goal line, igniting wild celebrations among the Power ranks.
Despite the pulsating win, Port’s lineup was significantly tested as captain Tom Jonas was conspicuously absent. The bold decision was once again justified as Aliir Aliir and Trent McKenzie held Bombers’ Peter Wright and Sam Weideman to a goalless game.
The Power’s surge was also fuelled by stellar performances from Brownlow Medal contenders Zak Butters and Connor Rozee, who kicked crucial fourth-quarter goals. A valiant Bombers squad, led by Jye Caldwell and Kyle Langford, tried to rally, but Houston’s last-minute heroics sealed their fate.
In the whirlwind of the final minute, it was Houston, the night’s leading possession winner with 32, who held firm, marking Nic Martin’s attempted clearance kick to set up the match-winning goal.
But it was not just about their star midfielders. Port’s forward Jeremy Finlayson was forced to assume a larger role in the ruck, after Scott Lycett was pulled out minutes before the game due to a failed fitness test. Debutant Dante Visentini was put to the test under extraordinary circumstances, though he battled hard despite his lack of experience.
As Port’s winning streak continues, the Power seems to have found their groove, notching their second match-winning goal after the siren this season. It’s a run that leaves the Bombers in their wake and fuels Port’s ambition as they eye a challenging path ahead.
This thrilling contest epitomized the unpredictable and enthralling nature of AFL, and as the dust settles, it’s clear the Power has put the rest of the competition on notice. As they continue to rewrite their club’s history with every win, there’s a sense that this remarkable journey is far from over. And, as Saturday’s nerve-wracking finish proved, they’re a side that thrives under pressure.
