The game started off well for Bendigo with the Bombers gaining early possessions and kicking the opening goal thanks to Darren Walsh. Whilst Port Melbourne also had many scoring chances, they failed to score a major. The Boroughs kicked five points before they were able to kick their first goal for the game.
It was a fast paced game, with both sides able to find plenty of space. But it was Port Melbourne who began to take control of the game and capitalised on several skill errors by the Bombers. Goals to Blake Grima and Kris Shore put Port Melbourne in front. A running goal from Bomber Sam Hunt steadied the scores, before a four goal to nothing onslaught, in the final 10 minutes of the opening term, had Port Melbourne leading the Bombers by 35 points at quarter time.
The second term started off much like the first did for Bendigo. The Bombers scored the opening goal from a centre break by Jason Winderlich who kicked to Gary Moorcroft for his first. Bendigo was then out marked down back and Port big-man David Hale scored his second, before Moorcroft quickly replied with his second as well. With the Bombers looking as if they were on the way back with vice-captain Jordan Doering winning plenty of the ball, Port replied with a three goal burst to open up their lead. Two goals to Hale left him with three for the half as well as a left foot snap from Ryan McMahon gave Port Melbourne a 47 point advantage at the major change.
Bendigo continued to consistently open each quarter positively as Doering dominated the centre clearances with help from ruckman Laycock. This led to the opening goal from Kain Robbins. Soon after Port replied as their tall forward line seemed too strong for Bendigo with small forward Leigh Harding happy to pick up the crumbs and kick their first goal. Both sides went goal for goal as Kain Robbins kicked his second for the term after a heavy knock to Bomber Jobe Watson resulted in a free kick.
Once again Port Melbourne finished the quarter with a five goal to nothing burst putting the game well and truly beyond doubt. The Bombers headed into the final change down by a massive 72 points.
Bendigo had nothing but ""pride on the line"" going into the final quarter with coach Peter Banfield urging his players to give him a ""fair dinkum crack"" and that they did! The Bombers came out hard in the final term and kicked the opening goal. However, they ran out of steam and Port Melbourne finished the match strongly.
In the end it was the Port who triumphed thrashing the Bendigo Bombers by 80 points in front of a large crowd at TEAC Oval.
Match report compiled by Matthew Roberts.
