The New South Wales Blues secured a 12-point victory over the Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval, extending their winning streak to three matches in the 2023 Australian Football League season. The clash, attended by 38,456 spectators, saw the Blues overcome a second-quarter deficit to claim a 14.10 (94) to 12.8 (80) triumph, with key contributors including midfielder Josh Fraser, who recorded 28 disposals and a goal, and forward Tom Green, who kicked two crucial majors in the final quarter.
The result followed a tightly contested encounter between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Geelong Cats, which concluded with a 72-69 victory for the Roos after a last-minute goal by veteran forward Jesse Hogan. Meanwhile, the Collingwood Magpies defeated the Brisbane Lions 108-94 in a match that featured 18 combined behinds, with Magpies’ captain Scott Gruettner leading the charge with 25 disposals and a goal.
Adelaide Oval, which hosted the Blues-Power match, has become a stronghold for the state team in recent seasons, with the Blues now sitting fourth on the AFL ladder. The victory came amid ongoing discussions about the venue’s role in the 2024 State of Origin series, with South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas confirming in a press briefing that the oval remains under consideration for potential hosting obligations.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley acknowledged the challenge posed by the Blues’ forward line, stating, “They executed their game plan exceptionally well, particularly in the second half. We need to address our forward efficiency if we’re to compete with the top teams.” The Power, who have lost three of their last four matches, remain 11th on the ladder, 10 points behind the Blues.
The Cats’ win over the Roos, meanwhile, marked their first victory in four encounters against North Melbourne since 2021. Geelong captain Mitch Duncan praised his side’s resilience, noting, “We kept our composure when it mattered, especially in the final quarter.” The Cats, now sixth on the table, will face the Sydney Swans in a high-stakes match next week.
Collingwood’s victory over the Lions was their third consecutive win, with coach Simon Goodwin emphasizing the importance of defensive adjustments. “We made key changes at half-time that disrupted their rhythm,” he said. The Magpies, who sit third in the competition, will face the Western Bulldogs in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final.
The AFL’s next round of matches is scheduled for April 7-9, with the Blues set to host the Western Bulldogs at Sydney’s Optus Stadium. No further details on the State of Origin venue decision are expected until mid-May.
