Nathan O’Keefe, Ben Warren and Robbie Tarrant headlined the visiting side’s forward line and they were all lively in the first term.
O’Keefe’s first lead was rewarded with a pinpoint kick which he marked on the fifty metre line directly in front but it slid off the outside of the boot and missed to the right hand side.
Warren followed up with a lead of his own just minutes later and also wasted the opportunity to slot through a goal. It wasn’t until Tarrant found some space 30 metres out that Werribee was finally able to register a major. O’Keefe was given another opportunity after he pounced on a grounded ball and snapped truly.
Werribee had a one point lead going into the first change.
The second quarter belonged to O’Keefe as he got on the end of a short chip from Matthew Scott and booted his second goal. He also got his teammates involved and helped set up a six-pointer for Flint Chisholm. The ball came O’Keefe’s way yet again on the next play and he ran into an open goal for his third.
Port wouldn’t lie down and constantly hit back at the other end of the ground. It was a gritty but entertaining first half and the Borough was able to keep their noses in front by a goal.
The highlights were limited for the Tigers in the third term. Warren missed a set shot on goal from 50 metres out but Port Melbourne dominated play and was able to extend its lead to 31-points with a quarter to play despite the solid efforts from Obst and Jamie Macmillan down back.
Kept goalless in the third quarter, Werribee was looking have an impact with the game still in reach. But Port had other ideas and slammed through the opening goal.
With three minutes played, O’Keefe received a free for a push in the back but couldn’t capitalize from 40 metres out. He eventually kicked his fourth after a sliding mark and cut the margin to 42-points but the game was well beyond doubt.
Port running away with a 32-point win.
A few North players featured on the major ball winner’s list including Warren (15 disposals, 7 marks), O’Keefe (12 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals, 3 behinds), and Ben Speight (12 disposals, 3 marks).
Port Melbourne: 15.16.106
Werribee: 11.8.74
