HISTORY-making Port Stephens Power AFL men’s team has opened their 2025 Hunter Central Coast Seniors Black Diamond Plate campaign in winning fashion.
Fielding a senior men’s team for the first time, the Power line-up etched their names in the record books with an encouraging 73-45 victory over the Muswellbrook Cats at Ferodale Oval.
Tall on-baller Ben Mills was best on-ground and inspired his Port Stephens teammates to the first-up win.
Mills produced a non-stop performance as the Power led from start to finish and was ably supported by experienced skipper and rover Reegan Connors, winger Ayden Murray, ruck rover Joe Contin and debutant fullback Sean Workman, who impressed keen judges in his first official AFL match.
Despite their kicking woes, the Power showed they will be a competitive force in the Men’s Plate division – booting nine goals and 19 behinds.
The dynamic Contin entered the club’s annals as the men’s first-ever goal scorer.
The historic win was soured by soft tissue injuries to several squad members with up to half a dozen players racing the clock to be fit for the second round clash against Newcastle City Blues at Ferodale Oval.
Port Stephens booted two goals and four behinds to lead 16-7 at the end of the first quarter and opened up a 46-20 lead at the half time interval.
The Power dominated field position in the final two terms and kept the Cats at bay with three second half goals and nine behinds.
Port Stephens coach Tony Merritt told News Of The Area that the team would need to improve its goal kicking to stay in touch with the leading clubs.
“There is room for improvement in that area but I was most impressed with our defensive effort and the on-field energy shown by my players” Merritt said.
Muswellbrook were best served by Dominic White, Mark Schmetzer, Tom Callinan, Lachlan Nicol, Kane Cubillo and Hunter Ball.
By Chris KARAS
