'Bit of heat': Fiery young stars spark brawls as Power surge breaks Eagles

Port Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis drew the ire of West Coast players when he shoved his hands into the face of a player late in his side's win.

After an aggressive tackle, the Power midfielder pressed his clenched fists down into the Eagle, drawing young star Harley Reid in for some retaliation.

Reid shoved Horne-Francis over after the pair got in each other's face, nearly reversing the free kick.

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The pair would clash a few more times in tackles, exchanging words face to face across what was a fiery afternoon in Adelaide.

Horne-Francis would ultimately have the last laugh, kicking three goals to go with 27 disposals and nine inside 50s in the 12.15. (87) to 9.7. (61) win.

He would also kick a miraculous goal from the boundary minutes after the incident, with teammate Zak Butters sparking a brawl in the aftermath.

Butters himself had a phenomenal afternoon, finishing with 38 disposals, three goal assists and seven clearances.

Port Adelaide certainly needed their stars to fire up in the second half, after West Coast jumped them early.

The Eagles kicked six first quarter goals and led the whole way until the Power overwhelmed them in the final term.

"There was a bit of heat in it at the end there which I guess I like a little bit," Horne-Francis told Fox Footy after the game.

"And I know a few of their players like it as well. It's all part of the game, it's all in good spirit, but it was good to get over the line in the end."

Reid certainly did what he could for the Eagles, finishing with 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal himself.

The pair have a lot in common. Horne-Francis was selected with the no.1 pick in the 2021 draft, while Reid was taken no.1 in the 2023 draft. The pair are certainly set to dual for the next decade.

Horne-Francis left North Melbourne after one season to return to his home state of South Australia, while speculation continues that Reid may do the same in the next few years, except returning to Victoria.

Reid is currently out of contract at the end of 2026 and is yet to officially recommit to the Eagles.

With Richmond's win on Saturday and West Coast's loss here, the Eagles are now three games behind the Tigers in 17th meaning they effectively have the wooden spoon secured.

This will hand them pick one in the draft, while they could also be handed pick two via free agency compensation if captain Oscar Allen leaves in free agency.

Port Adelaide meanwhile are too far back to make a realistic play at finals given they would need to win every remaining game from here and make up over 20 percentage points on Fremantle in eighth.

They take on rivals Hawthorn in round 19 as they enter the final stretch of Ken Hinkley's coaching tenure with the club.

The Power will sweat on the fitness of captain Connor Rozee, who was substituted out of the game with a finger injury.