Saturday’s early game takes us to Adelaide, when the high-flying Port Adelaide Power host the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 1:45pm AEST.
It’s fair to say Port Adelaide’s start to the season has been a great one. They demolished Fremantle in their first game, and then travelled to Sydney to hold off the Swans in a fantastic victory last weekend.
Brisbane, however, are winless. The Queenslanders were plucky against the Saints, but disappointing – if a little teasing – against Melbourne last weekend.
A trip to Adelaide isn’t the easiest endeavour, and it’s going to be a tough assignment for Chris Fagan’s men – especially given the city has been, well, tough for the Lions in recent times.
The Power are in good shape around the ground, with Ollie Wines, Sam Powell-Pepper and Charlie Dixon noticeable last week.
Their midfield will be tough for the Lions to match, while their offense is also handy – a good test for the Lions’ defence, which has fallen victim to Port’s offensive power in their past few match-ups.
The Power, not surprisingly, have made no changes to last week’s side. Brisbane have made a sole change, with Mitch Robinson returning from suspension and Dan McStay omitted. It’s their captain, Dayne Beams’, 150th game.
Prediction
The Lions – all things going well – should be a tougher opponent than they have been their last few outings at Adelaide Oval, but I am afraid this result is a bit of a foregone conclusion. Port will comfortably win this, probably by about 40 points.
Port Adelaide by 40 points
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 1:45pm AEDT.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Yes Rotcod. Port have had some shocking losses over the past few years. No premiership contender is going to play fantastic football for 22 rounds, the key is winning ugly when you have to. That's what Port did.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Against the supposed wooden spooner? Nah ,don't think so Either Brisbane are a lot better than they're being given credit for ,or Port are significantly poorer than their loveys would have it.Somewhere in between.
Powa
Guest
Should port be worried that they didn't goal in that last quarter?
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Great game of footy, such a disappointing result with the way we played. Really hope we can do Beamesy justice next week with an even bigger effort
XI
Roar Guru
That's a disappointment for the Lions. They're going in the right direction though.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Not really happy with the performance, but really happy with the way we ground out the win. The Port of the last few years would have found a way to lose that game.
User
Roar Rookie
Now that was a spectacle, great game.
Luke S
Guest
Fantastic game by the Lions - that type of performance should win us some games this year - shame it wasn't this one :( Again, well done Lions!!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Actually made me sad.
Birdman
Guest
Dang!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Oh. Damn, that was close. Port's won by 5 points, and I think my heart just broke for the Brisbane Lions. What a brilliant game. Port Adelaide: 14.13 (97) Brisbane Lions: 14.8 (92)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Oh jeez. 30 seconds.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
ONE MINUTE. FIVE POINTS.
Birdman
Guest
Jasus! Come on Lions
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL BRISBANE HIPWOOD! Massive kick here, and he nails it. 5 point margin, four minutes left. Port Adelaide: 14.13 (97) Brisbane Lions: 14.8 (92)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
BEHIND PORT Oh. That free against the Lions hurts. Boak's lining up, and this is a massive shot. He's hit the post though! Port Adelaide: 14.13 (97) Brisbane Lions: 13.8 (86)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL BRISBANE Hipwood, again, receives a free, and this is a absolute must get. He's got it. Ten point margin, seven and a half minutes left. Port Adelaide: 14.12 (96) Brisbane Lions: 13.8 (86)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
BEHIND PORT Robbie Gray with a vital shot for Port, but it doesn't make the distance and is punched through. Port Adelaide: 14.12 (96) Brisbane Lions: 12.8 (80)
Sammy
Guest
Port are not quite a bottom tier team but i know what you mean?
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
There have been plenty of confusing 50 metre penalties harming both sides in this match.