'Don't think they recover': Port Adelaide produce 'disastrous' qualifying final loss in grim scenes
Updated . First published at
No Tom Stewart? No worries for Geelong.
But there are some pretty big concerns for Port Adelaide, after their qualifying final loss to the Cats was dubbed "one of the worst finals performances in a long time".
The Cats stormed home to record a whopping 84-point win over the Power, locking in a home preliminary final at the MCG in the process.
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But all eyes are on the Power, who again failed to stand up when it mattered most.
They kicked just one goal after half time, with coach Ken Hinkley failing to answer the pressure from Geelong's role players in a complete team performance from the Cats.
Connor Rozee of the Power leads his team off after their loss to Geelong. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Geelong defeated the Power's midfield, collecting 40 clearances to their 36.
It came as star Power mid Zak Butters was subbed out of the loss in the third term, citing a rib injury.
It's a brutal blow for the Power, who will have to get up and play again next week in a must-win semi final.
It has left great David King officially ruling the Power out of flag contention.
Port Adelaide leave the ground after losing the AFL Second Qualifying Final to Geelong. Getty
"I don't think they recover from this. I think their season has come to a disastrous finish," King said on Fox post match.
"I don't think I've seen a mauling like that in years.
"I can't remember a final with those numbers."
Mark Riciutto echoed King's concerns, knowing that the Power will be shaken by the loss, which is their fourth loss in September in a row.
Zak Butters was subbed out. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"They've lost their last four finals now. This is the best preparation they've had coming into a game," he said.
"This is really going to rock them, the Cats have really put one on their chin."
The Power will play against either the Western Bulldogs or Hawthorn in their home semi final at Adelaide Oval.
At the other end of the spectrum Geelong reach their 13th preliminary final since 2007, an impressive record for the visitors on Thursday night.
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The Cats admitted they were preparing to play without Stewart, who was ruled out with illness just hours before the clash.
"We planned for him not to play, it only happened last night. It probably threw a few more spanners in the works for Port," Cats midfielder Max Holmes said on Fox post win.
Geelong will now host Sydney, GWS, Brisbane or Carlton in a preliminary final at the MCG in two weeks.
