Power thrash hapless Demons
Posted
Updated
Daniel Motlop kicked five goals as the Powe ran roughshod over the Demons (Getty Images: James Knowler)
Port Adelaide has ensured Melbourne will take home the wooden spoon for 2008 after thrashing the Demons by 78 points in Saturday afternoon's round 21 AFL match at Football Park.
The Power's 18.21 (129) to 7.9 (51) victory came in a canter, with the Demons' defence finding no answers for a Power attack that had posted 100 points just once in its past seven games.
Daniel Motlop led the charge for the home side with five majors, while five other players bagged doubles.
The loss leaves the Demons all alone at the bottom of the ladder, four points behind 15th-placed West Coast, which has a game in hand and leads Melbourne on percentage.
The Power were six goals clear after the first quarter and led by 48 points at half-time, restricting the Demons to just two goals in the first two terms while hammering home nine of their own.
Port Adelaide took its foot off the accelerator after the long break, managing just one goal in the third term, but booted eight majors in the final quarter to blow out the score, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Peter Burgoyne had a day out for the Power with a game-high 37 possessions to go with two goals, while Domenic Cassisi backed up with 34 touches.
There was little joy for the Demons, with Brad Miller the only Melbourne player to kick two goals, while Simon Buckley topped the disposal count with 32.
Port Adelaide 18.21 (129) - D Motlop 5, P Burgoyne 2, B Lade 2, D Pearce 2, J Westhoff 2, M Westhoff 2, T Boak, D Cassisi, D Rodan
Melbourne 7.9 (51) - B Miller 2, M Bate, C Bruce, M Jamar, M Newton, A Wonaeamirri
