Port Adelaide are slipping down the ladder after three straight defeats but start strong favourites at home against the Melbourne Demons. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:10pm (AEST).
Has the bubble finally burst for Port Adelaide? Six weeks ago they were the envy of every AFL team as they sat a game clear on top of the ladder.
Now, Port’s top four hopes have taken a battering in recent weeks and they need a win today to steady the ship.
Although they start strong favourites against Melbourne, Port would be wise not to underestimate a team they are expected to defeat handsomely this afternoon.
The last time the Demons played at the Adelaide Oval, they produced one of the upsets of the season, defeating the Crows in a cracking game of footy.
Melbourne will be keen to leave a better impression of themselves following a poor defeat to Geelong last week. When they are on song, the Demons are a very competitive outfit as evidenced by their win over Adelaide earlier in the year.
With confidence down, Port could be vulnerable to yet another upset if they fail to show up with the intensity required to register a win.
In all fairness though, if Port wish to consider themselves premiership contenders, then they need to switch on and win well this afternoon at home.
Port are one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the competition but they have fallen prey to the intense pressure from quality rivals such as Essendon and Adelaide.
Port really need to roll up their sleeves this afternoon and dictate terms with possessions and tackles. If they can get on top in those departments, they should do enough to secure a much needed victory.
Port by 48
AdamG
Guest
you would know all about that.
Matthew james
Guest
No! Awww Melbourne I thought u had it! U poor buggars
Bosk
Roar Rookie
I called it earlier in the year that Port are not a genuine premiership contender this season and I stand by that. They don't have the KPP quality or depth and rely far, far too much on pace, spread, run & carry and of course home ground advantage. They're still a decent chance to make the top 4 given Freo & Geelong aren't looking looking red hot either and Hawthorn have injury issues, but I don't see them making the GF. Their defense will be exposed in September bigtime. (even with Trengove & Carlisle)
Cat
Roar Guru
Nothing like a bit of hometown umpiring to help Port over the line.
Alan
Roar Guru
What a contest here! The Demons fought tooth and nail for a result today but fall short by just three points against Port. The Power were once again very unconvincing but they did enough in the end to secure the win. Plenty to life about the Demons effort today despite the defeat. They fought to the end and almost snatched a win. They should be a force next season if they continue to improve. Port keep their top four hopes well and truly alive but they were made to struggle big time for a win today. Port 72 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Holding the ball and Melbourne get the freekick! Seconds left! Westoff takes a huge mark and the Power will win surely! They have dodged a bullet today! Port are back in the winner's circle! FULLTIME Port 72 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Just moments left here. Port hanging on for a vital win. Boy what a struggle it has been! Port 72 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Schulz scores for the Power! Is it the matchwinner??? Demons three behind. Port desperate to hold on! Port 72 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL PORT Port 72 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Port with a chance to break! They make a mess of it! Demons survive! Goodness me! Dawes kick is poor. Port still alive! Every kick counts! Mark taken! Huge kick coming up! Port 66 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Long kick forward. Ball at the wrong end for Port. Time becoming a huge issue. Under four minutes remain. Demons on course for another fantastic win. Westoff tackled and he is gone! Port 66 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Just three points in it! Every play and contest crucial! Melbourne look the stronger here! Port shocked. Demons with another mark here! Port 66 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Demons are ahead yet again! Superb play. Melbourne now finishing over Port. Gee four losses straight staring Port in the face now! Port 66 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS Port 66 Demons 69
Alan
Roar Guru
Great goal from the Demons yet again. Bale with superb quality to score a cracker in a cracking contest! Port barely holding on! Port 66 Demons 63
Alan
Roar Guru
Demons still competing hard. Chance for the Demons to break. Quick kick inside 50. GOAL DEMONS Port 66 Demons 63
Alan
Roar Guru
Just over 37,000 in at the Adelaide Oval. Averaging great crowds the Adelaide teams. Great to see. Port 66 Demons 57
Alan
Roar Guru
Finally a goal for Port! Nine point buffer crucial here. Demons still in the game. Need the next goal I feel. Port 66 Demons 57
Alan
Roar Guru
Goodness me Port doing everything they can to lose this. Westoff so poor close to goal! GOAL PORT Port 66 Demons 57
Alan
Roar Guru
Westoff goes to ground and its a freekick for Port. Westoff from straight in front shoots and misses!!!! Port 60 Demons 57