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The weekend’s second elimination semi-final sees the Fremantle Dockers play host to the Port Adelaide Power at Patersons Stadium on Saturday evening.
Last week the Dockers were good, but not good enough to hold back the might of Sydney, going down by 24-points at ANZ Stadium.
More AFL Finals:
» Expert tips and predictions
» Complete guide to week 2
» HIGHLIGHTS: Geelong Cats vs North Melbourne Kangaroos
» AFL Finals homepage, full coverage
Port Adelaide were merciless against Richmond at the Adelaide Oval, all but securing their place in the semi-finals by quarter time with an eight goal to one opening quarter.
By all accounts the Power’s missing run was back in full stride against the Tigers, but their ability to sustain it against an elite team will be a real test.
These sides faced off just two weeks ago in a match that placed a top four finish on the line – the Dockers got home by 8 points.
The conditions will be nearly identical for Saturday’s match, this time however, for a spot in the final four.
MATCH INFORMATION
When: Saturday September 13, 5:45pm (local) 7:45pm (AEST)
Where: Patersons Stadium
TV: Seven Network (LIVE), Fox Footy (LIVE)
Odds: Dockers $1.55, Power $2.50*
The biggest worry for Port Adelaide is the nine-goal run they allowed Fremantle either side of three quarter time. They did manage to claw back the last five of the match, but the game was always out of reach.
If Fremantle can summon a similar patch of momentum in this match, Port Adelaide will be taking the same finals exit as 2013.
In both of their 2014 meetings Ryan Crowley has gone to Travis Boak, who has been held to 22 and 28 possessions.
Despite the heavy attention from Freo’s number one tagger, Travis Boak led the clearance count in Round 23 with 10. He has shown he is up to the challenge Crowley brings and will need to deliver another strong performance around the contest on Saturday.
Fremantle were of course without one of their key clearance masters, Nathan Fyfe, two weeks back. He picked up 29 touches and seven clearances last week and is sure to feature heavily in his first match at home for four weeks.
| Match | Venue | Home vs Away | Result | Disposals | Goals |
| Round 23, 2014 | Patersons Stadium | Fremantle defeats Port Adelaide | 105-97 | Neale 34 | Schulz 6 |
| Round 8, 2014 | Adelaide Oval | Port Adelaide defeats Fremantle | 94-76 | Fyfe 34 | Wingard 5 |
| Round 22, 2013 | Patersons Stadium | Fremantle defeats Port Adelaide | 134-60 | Cornes 29 | Pavlich 4 |
| Ballantyne 4″ | |||||
| Round 18, 2012 | AAMI Stadium | Port Adelaide defeated by Fremantle | 48-75 | Cornes 31 | Ebert 2 |
| Round 7, 2012 | Patersons Stadium | Fremantle defeats Port Adelaide | 87-47 | McCarthy 30 | Pavlich 4 |
This match looks destined to be won in the forward line. Matthew Pavlich was in good touch against Sydney last week, booting four goals.
Jay Schulz snagged 6.1 in his sides Round 23 loss to Fremantle; his presence up forward and sharp eye from set-shots will be a key factor in determining who advances to face Hawthorn in the prelims.
Fremantle will be without their lead goal kicker from Round 23, as Hayden Ballantyne will miss the clash after taking a hard hit to the jaw last week.
His ability to ignite his side, and his home crowd could be an X-factor the Dockers sorely miss.
The Power’s X-factor up forward, Chad Wingard has been in decent form the last fortnight after a relatively inconsistent 2014. Wingard often walks a fine line between average and exceptional, but in recent weeks the lean has been towards the latter.
The Power need that trend to continue on Saturday as Wingard is the kind of player that can extinguish a home ground advantage in a matter of minutes.
Will Fremantle’s home ground advantage be too much for Port Adelaide to overcome? Or will they be able to harness their form against the Tigers and send last year’s grand finalists out in straight sets?
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*Odds correct as of 10:30am, Monday September 8.
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