A look at three of the key takeaways from Saturday night’s impressive win against Port Adelaide in the wet at Adelaide Oval.
1. A ton of tackles
Well, 109 to be exact.
It was a determined effort from the Dogs in trying conditions.
Port Adelaide had more of the ball (373-347 disposals), more contested ball (188-167) and an extra 20 inside-50s (69-49).
But the Dogs slugged it out.
Remarkably, it was 18-year-old first-year player Bailey Smith who led all-comers with a game-high 14 tackles.
The next-best on the ground was Marcus Bontempelli (10)… but more on him later.
2. Schache’s best?
Emerging forward Josh Schache has showed some impressive signs in his 19 AFL games in red, white and blue.
But was Saturday night his best?
There’s definitely a strong argument for it being his most impactful.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: POWER v DOGS
In conditions not well-suited to the big men, the 21-year-old made his presence felt.
Schache had 12 disposals, but in a low-scoring game his three goals had a mighty impact.
He plucked four marks – two of those contested, three inside-50 – provided an important contest forward of the ball, and crucially made the most of his opportunities in front of goal.
3. ‘The Bont’ is that good
It’s hard to believe Marcus Bontempelli is still only 23 years old.
As senior coach Luke Beveridge said post-game, Bontempelli “got us out of the blocks and set the example in foreign territory”.
‘HE SET THE EXAMPLE’: BEVO PRAISES BONTEMPELLI
He had six clearances in the first quarter, to Port Adelaide’s five.
And it looked like he packed his own footy. A dry one. He was playing a different game out there.
Twenty-nine disposals, 18 contested possession, 10 tackles, nine clearances, seven inside-50s.
He gets it done week-in, week-out. But Saturday night’s performance was bloody impressive.
