First Quarter - Melbourne 0.4.3 (27) - Port Adelaide 0.2.3 (15)
A healthy crowd turned out at Renmark Oval to witness Melbourne and Port’s first fully fledged match of the NAB Cup series. Kicking against the strong wind, the Demons opened the term with some nice ball movement from first gamer Rory Taggert which resulted in James Sellar’s first goal. Dean Kent who continued his impressive form from last week kicked Melbourne’s second in quick succession. The blustery conditions made it difficult for both teams to move the ball effectively and the game turned in to an even affair. A late quarter goal from Michael Evans was sparked by an Aaron Davey chase down tackle and stretched Melbourne’s lead to 12 points at the first break. Magner lead the team with sevens possessions and three tackles. Sellar was the leading goal kicker with two.

Second Quarter - Melbourne 0.8.5 (53) - Port Adelaide 0.5.3 (33)
Kicking with the aid  of a strong breeze, Melbourne opened the scoring with Dean Kent’s second goal of the day. Port then kicked two kicks goals to pull the margin back to within eight points. Veteran Aaron Davey provided the highlight of the term, kicking a sensational goal from deep in the right pocket. Locals here in Renmark have nicknamed the pocket ‘the elephant’s graveyard’ due to the angle being so acute and difficult to score from. Port Adelaide managed to wrestle back the ascendency late in the second term bringing the margin back to within eight points before Sellar kicked two goals within 20 seconds to stretch the lead  back out to 20 points. His second goal coming thanks to a strong centre bounce clearance from Magner.  At half time Melbourne lead Port 8.5.53 to Port 5.3.33. The leading possession getters for Melbourne were  James Magner 14, Neville Jetta and James Sellar both with 10 each.

Third Quarter - Melbourne 0.9.6 (60) - Port Adelaide 0.8.4 (52)
Kicking with a strong wind Port Adelaide started the third term strongly kicking the first three goals and marginally missing a forth to pull the margin back to one point. The Demons were plagued by poor ball use and a lack of intensity which allowed Port to take control of the game.   The Demons eventually hit back with a much needed goal to James Sellar after some strong contest work saw him earn a free kick, which he converted from 40m out in the windy conditions. Melbourne youngster, Dom Barry was the first player subbed out of the game with Nathan Stark seeing his first action in the red and blue colors. James Magner remains Melbourne’s top possession getter with 19,  Neville Jetta with 16 and backman Troy Davis with 13. Goal kickers for the match are Sellar with five, Kent with two and Davey and Evans with one each.

Quarter 4 – Melbourne 0.12.6 (78) def Port Adelaide 1.10.7 (76)
In front of a crowd of 3,765 - Melbourne started the fourth term with a good defensive effort from the newly subbed Cameron Pedersen, who intercepted a pass and allowed Aaron Davey to run in to an open goal to kick his second. Luke Tapscott quickly followed up with a strong contested mark and converted from 35 out to extend Melbourne’s lead to 19 points. Melbourne continued to attack with Sellar continuing his strong game with a smoother which fell to the feet of Aaron Davey who swooped on the ball and  weaved through his opposition in trademark style to kick his third for the game. Port ensured an exciting finish hitting back with a super goal and two regulation goals which reduced Melbourne’s lead to four points with five minutes remaining.  Port had the ball camped inside their forward fifty during the final minutes but missed their opportunities on goal allowing Melbourne to escape with a three point victory.