Centrals knew this game was going to be a real mental test as both sides match-up very well, making commitment and application the difference between it and Port.
Ports make a habit of winning the games they need to win. After starting the new season well, winning their first two games, then with four consecutive losses they suddenly found themselves fifth wedged between the Lions in fourth and bottom-placed Solomontown.
In this period they were without five or six regular league players each week.
Against the Bloods on Saturday they won by 32 points without Chris “Smiley” Stephens, Adam Wilson and Brodie Mudge.
With the win they move to fourth and a game away from third-placed Centrals.
For the first part of the first term, it was all Port as the Bloods looked a little slow to react and organise.
Port kicked the first goal via Johansen and it took some brilliance from Crabbe, Hull and Ashley Grantham combining to get the Bloods off the blot.
The forward fifty was proving to be Centrals’ Achilles heal as the ball was far too easily cleared by Luteria and his very-well marshalled defence, despite Jared Reid’s best efforts for the Red and Blacks.
At the first break, the Greens were up by three points in a very low-scoring quarter.
By half –time that lead was cut to two points again Centrals stuttered in front of goal and the lead see-sawed.
What would have worried Bloods coach Hayes most was the indirect play, the low-tempo transition, high turnovers and elementary mistakes all over the park.
In particular lack of discipline, poor set-ups at set-plays, particularly when defending a set-shot for goal, lack of chase from some of the forwards and some ball-watching where their opposition created numbers to a contest.
Still, too many players believing talent alone will win games and they appeared further away from winning a flag for the first time since 1992 than they were five years ago.
However, both sides gave their all after half-time as Ryan Morris back or forward lifting those around him as Dawson also continued his good game.
But when Phillips, Treloar and Hutchinson scored consecutive goals late in the third Port were up by twenty-three points.
In the ruck Burford was dominating and giving first use to the midfielders as Wombat, Kendall and Tom Clarke made the most of the advantage.
In the final term Callary - who was having a decent game as well - kicked a long goal.
But Port after three minor scores kicked four goals; Coombe, Kendell, Sykes and Gale kicking his fourth for the day and led at one stage by seven goals.
The Bloods did cut that back with Hull and Clayton-Waye leading the way on the scoreboard. For four-quarters of tough footy on the competition’s better midfielders in Quigley, Terry Hall through the corridor was probably the Greens’ best.
Bustling full-forward Matt Gale with 4.7 could have been more damaging and Sam Mayes who turned fifteen a month ago was everywhere and gave plenty of run.
Port are back and Centrals have been pegged-back.
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