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Melbourne broke through for just its second win of the season last weekend, downing West Coast by 20 points at the MCG. Port Adelaide got its season back on track with an impressive 48-point win over Brisbane at AAMI Stadium.
The result sees the Power move to ninth place on the AFL ladder with a 7-7 win-loss record.
MEDICAL ROOM: Melbourne youngster Jack Watts will miss again with illness while Colin Garland (foot), Simon Buckley (groin), young ruckman Jake Spencer (ankle), Austin Wonaeamirri (knee) remain on the sidelines. John Meesen (foot), Addam Maric (shoulder), James Strauss (shoulder) and Sam Blease (leg) won’t play again this season. For Port, star utility Chad Cornes returns from a knee injury but star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne (knee) is sidelined indefinitely. Daniel Motlop (leg), Matt Thomas (knee), Travis Boak (knee) and Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) also remain unavailable.
KEY MATCH-UPS: Kane Cornes vs. Aaron Davey
Davey wasn’t his usual damaging self in the win over the Eagles, managing just 15 possessions – well down on his season average of 23.9 disposals per game.
The 25-year-old will be keen to bounce back with a big performance on Sunday and help lift his side to consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Port will want to limit his influence through the middle of the ground as he is damaging with his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.
Cornes is Port’s number one stopper in the midfield and will be given the task of running with Davey in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.
Davey will need to work hard both ways as Cornes will not only make Davey earn every possession but will also try and hurt him going the other way.
Clint Bartram vs. Danyle Pearce
Pearce was instrumental in his side’s win over the Lions, helping himself to a game-high 35 possessions, one goal and eight inside 50’s.
The 2006 NAB Rising Star midfielder is an integral part of
Port’s midfield as he provides plenty of drive – he leads the club for inside 50’s and long kicks and is second for bounces.
Shutting down his run and carry will be a key for the Demons if they are going to have any hope of containing the Power’s multi-pronged attack.
Bartram has performed well in a negating role in the past and looms as the obvious candidate to tag the dangerous Pearce.
The 21-year-old will need to ensure he doesn’t give Pearce any time or space otherwise he will break the game wide open with his blistering pace.
Michael Pettigrew vs. Russell Robertson
Robertson played his best game for the season last weekend, booting four goals including the match-winner to seal his side’s third win of the season.
The enigmatic veteran will need him to have another big game if the Demons are going to have any hope of recording a rare win against Port.
Pettigrew has the ability to match Robertson in the air and also at ground level and will most likely be given first crack at the 30-year-old.
Melbourne will need to be smart with their use of the football going forward otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by an attacking Port Adelaide backline.
James Frawley vs. Brett Ebert
Ebert returned to form with four goals against the Lions last weekend and will be keen to back up with another good performance on Sunday to help get his side back into the top eight.
Frawley often gets the job on the opposition’s most dangerous mid-sized forward and will most likely line-up on Ebert.
In the win over West Coast the Demons applied a staggering 89 tackles.
Frawley will need his midfield to play with the same level of intensity on Sunday otherwise the Power will continually break the lines and deliver the football cleanly inside 50 to the likes of Ebert.
VERDICT: Port has won just one of its seven matches away from home so far this season but they have won seven of their past eight against Melbourne. Expect them to make it eight from nine with their multiple options in attack likely to be the difference.
Power by 44 points.
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