Power cruise to victory against Greater Western Sydney in round two.
There was much more on the line for the Port Adelaide Power other than another four points when they hosted the Greater Western Sydney Giants in round two of the AFL season.
The Power honoured their former teammate John McCarthy with a 19.20 (134) to 11.12 (78) victory at AAMI Stadium in a moving game for the home side.
Port vice-captain Brad Ebert epitomised a night of high emotion when, after kicking the match-sealing goal, he repeatedly kissed his black arm-band, worn in respect for his great mate McCarthy.
Moving tributes were held pre-match for McCarthy, who died at a Las Vegas casino complex last September while on an end of season trip with some Power teammates.
McCarthy’s Victorian-based family were among the 25,122-strong crowd but the tearful tributes seemingly distracted Port players, who conceded four of the initial five goals
Eibert said winning for McCarthy was on the forefront of everybody’s mind before the game.
“We talked about J-Mac before the game and we all understood what it meant to the club and that it was an important game,” Eibert said.
“It was emotional thinking about him early, but it was good to work our way into the game.
“J-Mac knew we were going in the right direction (as a club) and he was a positive person would have enjoyed tonight.”
Greater Western Sydney started well as they continued to show the amount of improvement the young squad has made inside 12 months as they led by as much as 18 in the first quarter.
Port hit the front for the first time when Jay Schulz slotted a goal home from 35 metres out early in the second quarter and they were never in doubt to take out the clash.
Greater Western Sydney will look for its first win of the season when they host the Struggling St KIlda outfit, while Port Adelaide will have three wins on their mind ahead of what should be a blockbuster South Australian derby against the Crows.
Check out some of the highlights of the game below:
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