Round 10 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Russell Ebert Tribute Match

West Adelaide reclaimed the Russell Ebert Tribute Cup with a lion-hearted second-half comeback to edge out Port Adelaide by nine points at Alberton Oval. 

Jumping into the top five on the Hostplus SANFL League ladder, the Bloods trailed by three goals at half-time before swinging the contest in their favour through peserverance and weight of possession.

Nathan Bassett’s side kicked 8.8 to the Magpies’ 4.5 after the main change as tireless acting West captain Kobe Ryan starred with 36 disposals and 14 clearances.

Brady Searle’s two majors in the final term were vital, the first putting the visitors in front inside the opening minute.

From there, the Bloods were able to maintain their slender lead for the rest of the tense battle as Port replied with goals to Tom Anastasopoulos and Xavier Walsh.

But a classy snap goal from West’s Tom Scully, as he gathered his own spilt overheard mark sealed the deal for the Bloods in the 22nd minute.

Speedy West midfielder Joel Parker was brilliant with his 25 disposals as he also booted three goals while fellow mids Cade Kennedy (25 disposals) and Tom Morrish (23 disposals) also worked hard.

Callum Park had 29 disposals and 12 marks off half-back in rebound mode as Scully and Searle booted two majors each.

Port’s Ryan Carnelly, playing his first League game of the season, was the leading disposal-winner with 24 as AFL-listed trio Jack Lukosius, Will Lorenz and Jack Watkins each had 21 possessions.

Former GWS wingman Jacob Wehr collected 19 disposals in his first SANFL game for Port, having previously played for Woodville-West Torrens.

Elusive Port forward Mitch Zadow hit the scoreboard with four goals while Xavier Walsh continued his consistent season with three.