Port Adelaide vs West Coast: A Rivalry Revisited




The Port Adelaide Football Club and the West Coast Eagles are two of the most successful and storied clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL). They have met in some of the most iconic matches in the league's history, and their rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in the game.
The rivalry began in 1990, when West Coast was admitted to the AFL. The Eagles quickly became a powerhouse, winning their first premiership in 1992. Port Adelaide, on the other hand, struggled in its early years, but eventually emerged as a contender in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The two clubs have met in six AFL Grand Finals: 2004, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2021. West Coast has won the flag four times: in 2006, 2015, and twice in 2018; Port Adelaide have won it once, in 2004.
The rivalry between Port Adelaide and West Coast is more than just a sporting contest. It is a battle for the heart and soul of South Australia. Port Adelaide is the traditional powerhouse of the state, while West Coast is the upstart that has challenged their supremacy. The two clubs represent different parts of the state, and their rivalry reflects the different values and cultures of those regions.
The rivalry between Port Adelaide and West Coast is one of the most intense in the AFL. It is a battle for pride, passion, and glory. It is a rivalry that will continue to be contested for many years to come.
Memorable Moments in the Rivalry
There have been many memorable moments in the Port Adelaide vs West Coast rivalry. Here are a few of the most iconic:
  • The 2004 AFL Grand Final was a classic. Port Adelaide won the match by a single point, in a thrilling finish. It was the club's first premiership in 93 years.
  • The 2007 AFL Grand Final was another close match, with West Coast winning by only five points. The Eagles' victory was their first since 2006.
  • The 2014 AFL Grand Final was a one-sided affair, with West Coast thrashing Port Adelaide by 56 points. It was the Eagles' fourth premiership victory.
  • The 2015 AFL Grand Final was a rematch of the 2014 Grand Final, and it was a much closer match. West Coast eventually won by seven points, claiming their second premiership in a row.
  • The 2017 AFL Grand Final was another close match, with Port Adelaide losing by only 12 points. It was the Power's first Grand Final appearance since 2007.
  • The 2021 AFL Grand Final was a huge win for the Eagles, who defeated the Power by 71 points. It was the Eagles' fourth premiership in the past decade.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Port Adelaide vs West Coast rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the AFL. It is a rivalry that will continue to be contested for many years to come.
The two clubs are on the rise, and they are both capable of winning the premiership. The next time these two teams meet, it is sure to be another classic.