Port's been on quite the run, have to assume it ends here against one of the flag favourites, with Dixon and Marshall out. A 50-metre penalty goal right off the bat for Melbourne, before rain starts to fall. It's real what Viney asked before quarter-time, what was Horne-Francis diving for, the answer is to get a free-kick and the umpire responded to pick up the ball, no haha, Port up 12 at the break. Burton takes a good mark and goals, the Power missing quite a few gettable goals though, in a period of dominance, many not even registering. Port may have squandered a big opportunity with Melbourne's performance being well down thus far, up just 14 at the half. Petracca shows his class in the conditions compared to everyone else, gets tripped and still slots the banana. The Dees hit the lead in the 3rd and it starts bucketing down, Hunter with a good snap on goal. Lycett gives back to back frees in the ruck, resulting in a Grundy goal. A questionable free-kick again to Port prior to the 3-quarter time siren and Butters goals from distances, Melbourne up 11. The umpires having significant influence, giving Finlayson a free goal for instigating. Butters is just everywhere, dominating with class though. I mean the umpires shouldn't be noticeable, but it's poor decision after poor decision, ruining what could be a good game. McDonald puts the Dees in front, Rozee put the Power back in front. Port win another close one, by 4 points. Although the umpires consistently made bad calls all night, the Dees did a lot of stupid things in defense, Oliver and Van Rooyen in particular. Melbourne dominated the hit-outs, Port +9 in the clearances, with more of the footy. Port with 13 more inside 50's, for 6 more scoring shots. Butters best afield, with 41 disposals, 10 clearances, 8 inside 50's, 8 intercepts, 581 metres gained and 2 goals. Rozee 31 disposals, 11 inside 50's, 5 tackles, 9 intercepts, 756 metres gained, a goal and an assist. Houston 33 disposals, 7 inside 50's, 10 intercepts, 815 metres gained and a goal. For Melbourne, Oliver 30 disposals, 8 clearances, 8 inside 50's, 9 tackles, 6 intercepts, 569 metres gained and an assist.
3. (Port) Z. Butters, 2. (Port) C. Rozee, 1. (Port) D. Houston.
3. (Port) Z. Butters, 2. (Port) C. Rozee, 1. (Port) D. Houston.