Notes from first half against Port Adelaide

Essendon started brightly, locking the ball in the forward half for the first four minutes of the game but on the rebound Port Adelaide kicked a goal with their first forward entry.

Port Adelaide kicked the first five goals of the game (three from free kicks).

Paddy Ambrose is again playing as Essendon’s second ruckman, while Mitch Brown is playing forward.

James Kelly did his best to stymie the Power’s attack in the first quarter, picking up five intercept possessions. 

While David Zaharakis continued his good form with 10 possessions and four tackles in the opening term.

From 16 inside 50’s in the first term, Port Adelaide registered 11 scoring shots. 

The Bombers were much improved in the second quarter, kicking three goals.  That came on the back of a lift in kicking efficiency.

Kelly (16) and Zaharakis (14) are the Bombers major ball winners.