Port Power defeat Sala Dogs to secure Lae AFL gong

By LARRY ANDREW
PORT Power are the champions of the Lae Australian Football League after defeating Sala Dogs 58-41 on Saturday.
Both teams put up a good final, which was attended by PNGAFL committee chairman John Kali and Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu.
Dominating the first two quarters, the Dogs went into the break with a 22-18 lead.
However, Power regrouped and dominated the third quarter to deny the Dogs any chance of taking play into their territory.
Power’s desire to stay in the contest saw them kicking five goals in the third quarter to take the lead.
The Dogs bounced back to add two goals to their tally in the final quarter, but that was not enough as Power held on for the win.
Sala Dogs’ Kasua Albert and Joe Koni were named best forward and best back respectively.
Port Power’s Allan Tore and Allan Smith were named best centre and most valuable player respectively.
Kali said the display of skills was wonderful to watch.
He said it was privilege to have Saonu at the grand final.
“I really appreciate your presence,” Kali told Saonu.
“Morobe was the AFL powerhouse in the olden days.
“With your political muscle and the provincial administration’s support, we can restore AFL as a great sport in Morobe.”
Kali said he was pleased to see people from all walks of life, including women and persons living with disabilities, involved in AFL.
Saonu encouraged more young people to compete in AFL, as rugby league, rugby union, soccer and volleyball were not the only sports being played in the country.
“Thank you parents for supporting young people in AFL,” Saonu said.
“Seeing is believing. I believe AFL is exists in Morobe.
“Being a sports teacher, I say sports are alive in Morobe.”