Port started the better of the sides and were able to hang on for a 11.9 (75) to 8.8 (56) win and bounce back from last weekend’s home lost to Centrals.
Having asked his men for more discipline, Brad Cooper said he got it despite there still being two send-offs.
“It was an arm wrestle and a pretty good game to watch,” he said.
“I had a dew Melbourne mates up, from AFL heartland, and they were impressed (with the standard and the facilities). “And we were a lot more disciplined (than last week) I thought.”
While some observers commented on Port’s superior speed around the flanks, Cooper said it was a case of their slightly superior efficiency. “I think we used the ball a bit better than they did,” he said. “They are a good side and are going to remain a good side.”
While Saints slaughtered a sloppy South’s last weekend, Port were able to stay clean in a still Friday night and make the most of their chances.
Their mid fields matched up well and Port, through five goals from Anthony Sercombe, kept them ahead all game.
New Port player and assistant coach Mitch McKee (three goals) was again among the Crocs’ best six.
“Saints will kill you if you are wasteful and I thought we were pretty good on a still night, but there was plenty of dew (to make conditions slippery),” Cooper said.
Article Courtesy of Murray Wenzel The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 27/04/2015 16:54