A ten-minute lapse in the second quarter cost Essendon the match against Port Adelaide. Port went on a six-goal spree that proved to be the difference between the two sides. Essendon struggled to peg back the margin and despite throwing everything at Port in the final term were unable to match the South Australian powerhouse. Warren Tredrea cut up the Bomber defence and finished with seven goals. Port was too strong and ran out winners by 50-points.