Looking Back: Port Revival Reveals A Premiership Contender

Traveling to Sydney for an interstate clash with the Swans without All-Australian Paddy Ryder, you could forgive Port Adelaide for not having complete confidence against one of the AFL's heavyweight clubs.

With fresh recruits bolstering the side however, the Power came back from a halftime deficit and 85 percent likelihood of defeat (according to SI's win probability) to defeat Sydney by 23 points. In the process, Port Adelaide cemented itself as an early season contender for the Premiership.

A third quarter avalanche shell shocked the Swans, as they kicked seven goals to the Swans four, taking a lead into the final quarter. They withstood the inevitable Sydney comeback to hold firm and kick away, grabbing a valuable four points on the road.

By the time their third quarter comeback was complete, the Power's win probability had changed from 15 percent to an 69 percent in 30 minutes of enthralling footy.

This was all despite another superstar worthy performance from Lance Franklin, who backed up an eight goal haul against West Coast in Perth last week with four goals against the Power, including a brilliant finish from distance early in the fourth quarter to start the Swans comeback attempt.

It proved all too little however, as the Swans got within five points before three consecutive Port Adelaide goals sealed a triumphant win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.