Roar Guru
The Port Adelaide Power have strengthened their case four a top four spot with a late win over the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Western Bulldogs 11.13.79
Port Adelaide Power 14.12.96
The Western Bulldogs take on the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium, Ballarat, in a crucial game for each team’s finals aspirations. Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting from 1:45pm (AEST).
This season has been a disappointment for the Bulldogs – again injuries have taken their toll – but they still have a chance at making the finals and causing problems.
The Bulldogs were comprehensively beaten last week by the Greater Western Sydney Giants, but have Jason Johannisen and Dale Morris returning from injury. However, the suspension of Jack Redpath is a big loss.
As for Port, they have also been underwhelming, and despite being in the eight, their struggles against top teams have not gone unnoticed.
Last week, the Power took down the Magpies to keep their slim chances at a top-fourth berth alive. This week, they have Sam Powell-Pepper and Riley Bonner returning, while also bringing in debutant Todd Marshall. However, Jaspar Pittard was injured during training, while Callum Ah Chee and Jarman Impey have been omitted.
The last encounter between this pair was Round 13, 2016. The game was a heart-stopper, with Port kicking a goal to be within three points with just 17 seconds left, however the Bulldogs were able to hold on for a great win.
Overall, the Dogs have the edge over the Power, winning three of their past five games, however only one of those was played in Victoria, with the others being either in South Australia or the Northern Territory.
Prediction
Western Bulldogs by 6
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 1:45pm (AEST).
Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a blog of the game between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power on Saturday afternoon at Mars Stadium, starting from 1:45pm (AEST).
Follow Sam on twitter at @postgamesport