Glenelg v Port Adelaide (@ Glenelg Oval, 24 April 2021)
A healthy crowd on a beautiful autumnal evening enjoyed a terrific tussle between the 2019 Grand Finalists. Port were up and about, emblematized by Sam Powell-Pepper (who was annoyingly like salt-and-pepper; i.e. everywhere). Although the Tigers actually won every quarter, none of them were by much, and the lead changed or closed throughout the game. It was (pardon the cliché) an ‘arm wrestle.’
In the Presidents Room, 100 years of memorabilia were arrayed, reminding all that the sum of a Club is so much more than its premierships.
The team cohered brilliantly in the face of very stiff opposition. The Defence players were sorely tested, and passed with honours, Michael Virgin a stand-out. Lachlan Hosie was superb with 5 goals. Liam McBean kicked 3 but also helped out in ruck, winning the Bob Quinn Medal (why not call it the G.B. Johnston Medal?)
In the third quarter, the Bays were motoring along when Port posted 3 goals late (shades of the last time we played them.) At the 7th minute of the last quarter, the Magpies drew level. Luke Partington and Hosie put the game beyond reach, if not beyond doubt. A good fighting win, although the team hasn’t quite gelled as yet. Big challenges still to come.
To accentuate the heritage theme, a number of past greats were gathered on the H.Y. Sparkes Sward to cheer on the ‘new’ boys. Rubbing shoulders, swapping jokes and swilling grog with those Glenelg Warriors, one felt proud to be there.
Glenelg 12.11 (83) d. Port 10.13 (73)
FUN FACT: Whilst the display on Anzac Day eve comprised loans and donations gratefully received from members and officials, much of the treasure hoard was discovered in an archeological dig among the rabbit warren of offices at the Club some years ago. Guess by Who ?
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