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West Coast will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 75-point loss to Geelong last week when they host a red hot Port Adelaide in their top-four clash this week. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:40pm (AEST).
The Eagles were held scoreless after quarter-time last week in a game they would love to forget in a hurry. They will feel confident returning home to Patersons Stadium, where they have a good record against Port Adelaide.
West Coast have won their past four games against Port Adelaide at the venue and six of their last seven games in Perth.
They won’t have it all their own way, though, as the Power come into this game off the demolition of a depleted Lions side at Adelaide Oval last week. Jay Schulz took a commanding early lead in the Coleman Medal race with a powerful seven-goal game in the 113-point victory.
Port Adelaide were looking to atone for a last-quarter fade out against the Kangaroos, and showed why they will be a contender this year.
This game will be won in the midfield, where the Power hold a slight edge in contested possessions per game (145 to 139). This could be an area of concern for Eagles coach Adam Simpson.
Nic Naitanui could face the axe after gathering a modest six disposals last week. The talented ruckman is severely out of form and will more than likely miss this week’s contest.
Key match-up: Dean Cox v Matthew Lobbe
With Naitanui set to miss this game, reliance in the ruck will fall squarely on West Coast’s solo ruckman. Cox has been so good for so long, and the veteran was one of his side’s best contributors in last week’s loss.
Lobbe was good without being spectacular last week against the Lions, where he amassed 27 hit-outs but just 12 disposals.
X Factor: Matt White
The Power’s new live wire has been exceptional since crossing over from Richmond in the off-season. White looks determined to make the most of his second chance, as we saw last week with his 26 disposals, 9 marks, 7 tackles and 3 goals against the Lions.
Three quick facts
1. This will be the 26th contest between West Coast and Port Adelaide. The Power holds a clear advantage winning 16 games to nine.
2. No team has taken more marks inside 50 this season than Port Adelaide with 68, averaging 17 per game. West Coast are equal 12th with 37 across the first four rounds.
3. Both sides have struggled in clearances this season, ranking equal 15th in the AFL with an average of just 35.7 per game. The No. 1 ranked team, Greater Western Sydney, average 47.5.
Last five meetings
Round 5, 2013: Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) d West Coast 10.19 (79) at AAMI Stadium
Round 21, 2012: West Coast 14.14 (98) d Port Adelaide 6.14 (50) at AAMI Stadium
Round 13, 2011: West Coast 15.20 (110) d Port Adelaide 13.10 (88) at Patersons Stadium
Round 2, 2011: West Coast 16.20 (116) d Port Adelaide 15.8 (98) at AAMI Stadium
Round 20, 2010: Port Adelaide 8.13 (61) d West Coast 8.12 (60) at AAMI Stadium
Prediction
This game is tough to split – Port are in such good form, but West Coast are so good at home. I’m going to tip a close one, with Port Adelaide just squeaking past the Eagles in the final quarter.
Port by 8.
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