AFL: Port Adelaide survive fierce North Melbourne scare

Port Adelaide survived a fierce North Melbourne comeback to claim a tense nine-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with the Power banking their third consecutive win of the 2025 AFL season to stay firmly in the finals hunt.

In a fiery and at times sloppy encounter, Port set up the 14.13 (97) to 13.10 (88) triumph with a seven-goal opening term – their most prolific first quarter of the season – but were made to scrap all the way to the final siren as North Melbourne refused to go away.

Jason Horne-Francis produced a dynamic, and at times combustible, performance against his old side, finishing with 27 disposals, seven inside 50s and a goal, while being the centre of several heated moments that kept emotions high across the night.

The Power’s early dominance gave them just enough breathing room to withstand a late North surge, with Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Horne-Francis leading the midfield charge. Darcy Byrne-Jones (three goals), Ollie Lord (two) and Mitch Georgiades (two) were also vital up forward in a game riddled with mistakes from both sides.

Horne-Francis’ fiery third quarter sparked one of the game’s biggest moments, when he tangled with North skipper Jy Simpkin behind the play, gifting the Roos a goal that cut the margin to just one kick. The incident saw him pulled aside for a stern word by Ken Hinkley, Rozee and Butters at the three-quarter-time huddle, in a bid to calm his aggression.

While Horne-Francis occasionally walked a fine line, his impact was undeniable, with the Port Adelaide young gun and his senior teammates responding when it mattered to edge clear again in the final term.

North Melbourne, still winless from 13 trips to Adelaide Oval, produced a much-improved performance after their Good Friday humiliation against Carlton. Luke Davies-Uniacke (25 disposals, 11 clearances) and Harry Sheezel (game-high 30 disposals) led the way, while Paul Curtis continued his strong season with three goals – though he now faces potential MRO scrutiny for a tackle that concussed Port defender Josh Sinn.

The Roos had their chances late, but Nick Larkey’s costly miss from straight in front and some sloppy play under pressure proved decisive. Luke Parker, playing his 300th game, was among North’s best with 27 disposals and a goal, but it wasn’t enough to snap their losing streak.

It wasn’t a game high on quality, with multiple comical errors and shanked set shots highlighting a night where execution often let both teams down. Nevertheless, Port’s fast start and midfield firepower proved the difference as they held firm under late pressure to climb to ninth on the ladder with a 4-3 record.

Port Adelaide v North Melbourne final score

Port Adelaide 11.7 (73)
North Melbourne 17.16 (118)

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