Power snare win despite sickness worries
While Fremantle was worrying about their final-quarter fade-outs, Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams was just wondering whether his charges could run out the game.
The Power's 16.7 (103) to 10.15 (75) AFL victory over the Dockers was made all the more remarkable when Williams revealed a virus had swept through the team before the match.
Domenic Cassisi was the hardest hit and withdrew before bounce down, but Williams said at least three other players went into the match with question marks hovering over their fitness.
"It was a really gutsy win today," Williams said after watching his team slam through six final-quarter goals to secure victory.
"In our history I've never brought three emergencies over.
"We had real concerns about sickness through our group.
"In fact I was here (at the ground) watching the Under 18s before I knew Dom Cassisi wasn't playing.
"For the players to handle those distractions and to have a bit of doubt about whether they could get through the game or not ... the mental courage they showed at three-quarter time to keep going (was fantastic).
"It was a pretty significant win for us and we are delighted for it."
The Power's fourth win of the season keeps the club's finals hopes alive.
But it is a far different story for Fremantle, who will endure another gruelling week of soul-searching after yet another three-quarter time lead (this time two points) slipped through their fingers.
"It's the same script isn't it," Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said.
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