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Five memorable moments from five clashes between West Coast and Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
Ahead of their sixth meeting at Adelaide Oval, Samantha Rogers takes a look at five of the most memorable moments from their five clashes - which have all been decided by less than 10 points.
Camera IconAhead of their sixth meeting at Adelaide Oval, Samantha Rogers takes a look at five of the most memorable moments from their five clashes - which have all been decided by less than 10 points. Credit: AFL Photos

West Coast have turned their affection with Adelaide Oval into a full-blown romance, with an unbeaten 5-0 record at the ground over Port Adelaide ahead of their clash on Saturday.

The two sides have not met at the venue since round 18, 2018, having played two games at the Eagles’ home ground of Optus Stadium and one at Metricon Stadium (a Port home game) during the COVID hub in 2020.

Ahead of their sixth meeting at Adelaide Oval, Samantha Rogers takes a look at five of the most memorable moments from their five clashes — which have all been decided by less than 10 points.

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SHUEY WITH THE CLUTCH KICK (EF, 2017)

The 2017 elimination final between Port Adelaide and West Coast will always be remembered for Luke Shuey’s after-the-siren kick to win the game for the Eagles.

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Should Jared Polec have been penalised for taking Shuey high to give him a shot on goal? Did Shuey duck into the tackle? The answer might depend on which colours you’re wearing, but the full-time score read Eagles by two points.

That contest was the third and most recent occasion extra time has been required in an AFL finals series.

West Coast’s Luke Shuey kicked the winner in the dramatic 2017 elimination final at Adelaide Oval against Port Adelaide.
Camera IconWest Coast’s Luke Shuey kicked the winner in the dramatic 2017 elimination final at Adelaide Oval against Port Adelaide. Credit: James Elsby/AFL Media

BUT IS MACKENZIE THE REAL HERO? (EF, 2017)

Although Luke Shuey’s kick won the game for the Eagles, West Coast wouldn’t have made it to extra time without the heroics and footy smarts of Eric Mackenzie.

The key defender put his body on the line and cannoned himself into Port’s behind post with the ball to ensure the Eagles didn’t concede a point in the dying seconds of normal time.

It was an extraordinary act with just 40 seconds left on the clock and Power forward Charlie Dixon hot on his heels.

Eric Mackenzie of the Eagles was the unsung hero in the 2017 elimination final. This clutch effort prevented a Charlie Dixon goal late.
Camera IconEric Mackenzie of the Eagles was the unsung hero in the 2017 elimination final. This clutch effort prevented a Charlie Dixon goal late. Credit: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images/AFL Media/AFL Media

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF (ROUND 21, 2018)In the Eagles’ first match following Andrew Gaff’s infamous derby strike on Docker Andrew Brayshaw, Dom Sheed cames into the side as the AFL world puts a question mark over the club’s 2018 premiership hopes.

The Eagles did not lead for the entire match and were eight points down when the final minute ticked down.

It was not pretty but West Coast found a way to score and with 43 seconds left, two points separated the sides.

After plugging away in defence all day, Jeremy McGovern swung forward and clunked a mark before history repeats itself for Port.

The win also secured second spot on the ladder for the Eagles, who went on to win the flag in 2018.

West Coast players celebrate Jeremy McGovern’s goal to sink Port Adelaide just weeks before they went on to win the 2018 premiership.
Camera IconWest Coast players celebrate Jeremy McGovern’s goal to sink Port Adelaide just weeks before they went on to win the 2018 premiership. Credit: Matt Turner/AFL Media

UGLY ACT SPARKS MELEE (ROUND 9, 2016)

Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas sparked a melee when he lifted his forearm to the head of Andrew Gaff, with the West Coast midfielder being knocked out as he went with the flight of the ball.

Elliot Yeo was the first to remonstrate with the now Port skipper, as almost the entire field of players got involved in a scuffle.

The Eagles medical report stated Gaff had been found unconscious and remained that way for two minutes after the incident.

Jonas copped a six-week suspension after an unsuccessful attempt to challenge the charge backfired at the AFL Tribunal.

Trainers attend to Andrew Gaff after he lies prone on the turf after a nasty incident with Port Adelaide’s Tom Jonas in 2016.
Camera IconTrainers attend to Andrew Gaff after he lies prone on the turf after a nasty incident with Port Adelaide’s Tom Jonas in 2016. Credit: AFL Media/AFL Media

KENNEDY KICKS SEVEN (ROUND 9, 2016)

West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy put on a clinic against Port Adelaide in their round 9 clash in 2016.

The Eagles forward kicked seven goals, including a superb run-around from deep in the pocket, to lead the visitors to an 8-point victory.

Kennedy’s haul was the most by a travelling player at Adelaide Oval and sits behind Port’s Jay Schultz (8) on the all-time list, equal-second alongside Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins’ best returns at the ground.

Kennedy is chasing a milestone of his own this weekend, requiring five majors to reach 700 career goals.

West Coast forward Josh Kennedy kicked seven goals to get the Eagles across the line when they met Port Adelaide in round nine, 2016.
Camera IconWest Coast forward Josh Kennedy kicked seven goals to get the Eagles across the line when they met Port Adelaide in round nine, 2016. Credit: James Elsby/AFL Media

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