Things are looking pretty green for the Port Adelaide Power as they approach their Friday night clash with the confident Essendon Bombers.
The Dons won a marvellous game against the Melbourne Demons last Saturday afternoon at the MCG, when critics had tipped Essendon to go winless throughout the 2016 season.
Although Port has a more match-experienced side compared to the Dons, injury announcements made earlier this week could flip this game on its head.
Chad Wingard, a strong, powerful and quick forward, who can cause trouble in an opponent’s defensive 50, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jay Schultz, a tall and an accurate kicker, will be absent due to a long-term back injury.
These injuries are massive blows, and mean Port’s primary go-to is Charlie Dixon, who has had limited match experience.
The Power also have a midfield concern, with the removal of Hamish Hartlett, which is not only a match-experience loss for Port, but a skill one.
Essendon’s Joe Daniher is the man Port must look out for in the forward line, as last week he had 13 inside-50 marks. Daniher only managed to score 2.4 (16) against the Dees, but it could have easily been at least 3.3 (21) had his accuracy been better.
Another man to watch is Darcy Parish. The number-five pick is already averaging 23 disposals a game in his two matches, which may create midfield issues if Port leave him in the open too much. He is also ranked seventh in total tackles this season, making him not only a dangerous midfielder, but also possibly a dangerous defender.
Port, like the Dons, are suffering from the Essendon supplements saga, missing Patrick Ryder, and Angus Monfries. Although the Power are not missing as many senior players, the Dons could score another historic win.
This game will definitely have a close finish!
Easy Alpaca
Guest
I will watch this Essendon team lose most weeks this year and it will be a more rewarding experience than the last... 16 years of Essendon victories. Will be an iron strong team forged over the next 3 years. Then we can start collecting cups again. As has been tradition
MJ
Guest
Would be tempting if this was in Melbourne rather than Adelaide. Having 35000 in the stands on your side is a massive help and it showed last week in some ways.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
I'm super worried about Port, they don't seem to have the desperation needed to push into the 8, never mind the four. Their lack of defensive pressure on the turnover last week was nothing short of woeful, having said that, the Crows were pretty awesome, they certainly have the work ethic required to go deep into September. I'm also wondering about Ports centre square setup, other teams seem to be in the right places and although Port are trying they seem to be at the wrong spot all the time in the centre. Boak needs to step up, other than Ollie Wines and Robbie Gray, port have had no one in there, Ebert panics to often , Polec is defensively lazy, Hartlett and white are out and the rest are honest Tryers, Sam Gray looks to have the goods though. If we lose to the dons, I'm chucking a week's worth of sick days and may just turn to watching replay after replay of the 04 grand final for some solace.
Reccymech
Roar Rookie
A slight departure from the original topic, but sticking with the theme of Essendon upsetting a few teams along the way. Bit of a long bow, and not really a believer in fairy tale endings. However, is it too much to stretch the imagination to compare Essendon with Leicester City FC? Not for a minute am I suggesting that Essendon with be sitting on top spot, but, they might make a 'fist' of it and win a few/lot more than were/are given credit. As I said I don't believe in fairy tales....but you never know.
johno
Guest
Big difference to winning in Melbourne against a flaky Melbourne team than to travelling to SA and playing the Power.
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
As a Port supporter I have seen some awful performances so nothing would surprise me! It is still very difficult to disect the performance last week. Were Port that bad, or the Crows that good? If you had said to me before the game Port would have 70 inside 50s and over 30 shots at goal I would have happily taken that. Unfortunately it translated to a 10 goal loss. The defensive press is still a major concern for Port.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Simon, I see this as the game that Charlie Dixon needs to show why Port chased him. They didn't get much from him last week and with Wingard and Schulz missing Port need a big bag of goals from Charlie this week.
Paul D
Roar Guru
After they lost against us last season when we were in the depths, they certainly proved they can lose anywhere, anytime.
Simon Wegener
Roar Rookie
Port go into the game without Carlisle, Wingard, Hartlett, Schulz, White, Krakouer, and of course Ryder and Monfries - 8 players that could all argue to be in the best 22. Considering Essendon lost 12 players to suspension, but were able to replace them with some experienced top up players such as Kelly, Stokes and Crowley, the ledger is pretty square from the perspective of available players. Robbie Gray and Ollie Wines need more help this week. Port need to show some accountability for guys like Zaharakis and Zac Merrett, who have been allowed to do what they want in the first 2 rounds. Boak is playing sore but once he runs through the banner he has to lead from the front and have a much bigger impact on the game than he had in the Showdown last week. Considering they were expected to contest for a top 4 berth this season, a loss tomorrow night would put huge question marks over Port's season. Let's see just how badly they want it.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
The way Port Adelaide are playing it's certainly not beyond the realms of possibility. On top of forms issues they've also had a couple of troops go down injured. Bombers are certainly a little smokey this weekend.