Melbourne coach says loss to Port will help his team ‘grow’

“Clearly the supply early around clearance was one thing (problem), there was no question early in the game that was it,” Goodwin said.

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“The start of the last quarter they had 11 inside-50s to zip and it was down there for a good 10 minutes – that was the game.

“When we had our dominance, that’s what it looked like down our end.

“When they had theirs, they were able to hold it down there for a lot longer and impact the scoreboard. That’s what the best teams do.“

Piloting the Power’s charge to their seventh successive win – which saw them leapfrog Melbourne into second spot on the ladder – was the brilliant Zak Butters.

The gun fifth-year midfielder racked up a career-best 41 disposals, a game-high nine clearances, eight inside-50s and two goals.

Typifying both his dominance and his cleanness, an incredible 21 of Butters’ 22 first-half touches were effective as he put the Demons to the sword.

Port coach Ken Hinkley was effusive in his praise of Butters, cheekily describing him as a “tough, brave little prick”, while comparing him to the Power’s most famous No.9, retired great Robbie Gray.

“All I would say is Robbie knew who was giving his jumper to… vindicated,” Hikley beamed.

“He (Gray) handed it over to a special player. Without individualising too much, Zak’s game deserves a bit of that. Not sure that there’s too many better games you will see from a little fella.

“He takes big moments and turns them into something special.“

“Clearly the supply early around clearance was one thing (problem), there was no question early in the game that was it,” Goodwin said.

Loading

“The start of the last quarter they had 11 inside-50s to zip and it was down there for a good 10 minutes – that was the game.

“When we had our dominance, that’s what it looked like down our end.

“When they had theirs, they were able to hold it down there for a lot longer and impact the scoreboard. That’s what the best teams do.“

Piloting the Power’s charge to their seventh successive win – which saw them leapfrog Melbourne into second spot on the ladder – was the brilliant Zak Butters.

The gun fifth-year midfielder racked up a career-best 41 disposals, a game-high nine clearances, eight inside-50s and two goals.

Typifying both his dominance and his cleanness, an incredible 21 of Butters’ 22 first-half touches were effective as he put the Demons to the sword.

Port coach Ken Hinkley was effusive in his praise of Butters, cheekily describing him as a “tough, brave little prick”, while comparing him to the Power’s most famous No.9, retired great Robbie Gray.

“All I would say is Robbie knew who was giving his jumper to… vindicated,” Hikley beamed.

“He (Gray) handed it over to a special player. Without individualising too much, Zak’s game deserves a bit of that. Not sure that there’s too many better games you will see from a little fella.

“He takes big moments and turns them into something special.“