Port Adelaide Power’s season continues to slip away after impressive start.
The Western Bulldogs earned back-to-back wins in the AFL for the first time in more than a year, as they came-from-behind to beat Port Adelaide in Darwin by nine points.
In humid conditions, the game took its toll on the players who all looked exhausted at the sounding of the final siren, with the 10.7 (67) to 8.10 (58) victory lifting the spirits of the Melbourne-based side.
But to get the four competition points the Bulldogs had to earn them the hard way after they lost Tom Williams to a dislocated shoulder early in the second quarter and Koby Stevens was restricted after picking up a thigh injury.
Ryan Griffen led from the front for the Dogs, with the veteran earning 40 disposals and a goal, while veteran Daniel Giansiracusa (two goals) provided a big spark in attack after subbing into the game for Williams and Tom Liberatore (35 disposals) was enormously productive in the packs.
After their courageous win over St Kilda last weekend and now their victory against the Power, it was the first time the Dogs have tasted success twice in a fortnight since rounds seven and eight last season.
For Port Adelaide, it was their fifth straight loss, after starting their season with five wins and it also continued their sorry record against the Dogs, who they haven’t beaten since 2006.
The Power, who were well served by Chad Wingard (22 disposals, two goals) and Brad Ebert, lost big man Jarrad Redden to a shoulder injury late in the game.
The Western Bulldogs climb up into 14th on the AFL ladder after the win and they will look to stay on their winning streak when they resume their season against Collingwood, with the side having the bye in round 11.
After earning five wins on the trot to at one stage be in first place, Port Adelaide have lost their last five games and sunk to 11th.
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