The first match of the bye rounds begins with Port Adelaide Power hosting the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:50pm (AEST) on Friday.
It’s been a long time since Dustin Martin didn’t suit up for the Tigers and it will be a big test for the club to see if they can get their first win interstate for the season, having failed at this ground in Round 2, against the Crows.
The Power need to take advantage of this opportunity and get back on the winners’ list, after a nailbiting loss to Hawthorn last weekend by three points in Launceston.
Port can consider themselves lucky to still be in the top eight, having played one less game than all other finals-bound teams, but still have a lot of room for improvement, making this a genuine blockbuster.
For Port Adelaide, Jasper Pittard comes in to the half-back flank at the expense of Jack Hombsch.
Meanwhile, while Richmond has dropped Jack Graham and Martin is injured, Jason Castagna is in after a few weeks off, while Anthony Miles returns to the side for the first time this year. Miles’ form at VFL level has been second-to-none and he’s a chance to take out the JJ Liston Trophy this season.
Port are currently ranked second in tackles per game, while the Tigers have fewest opponent tackles per game. Richmond are also ranked second in points, second in inside 50s, and second in goal assists per game, leading the way from second place on the ladder, but this game will be won and lost in the midfield, with the Power ranked first in clearances, while the Tigers are last in hitouts.
Port will be looking to utilise the fact they’ve had a week off already before their match-up last week, with Paddy Ryder, Ollie Wines, Justin Westhoff, and the Gray brothers potent when moving into attack.
On the other hand, Richmond must look towards their second-tier players to step up in Martin’s absence.
Prediction
There will be doubts over the Tigers on the road, but they’ve proven in years gone by that they can get the job done at Adelaide Oval, where they only need to look at last year’s result against the Power.
Tigers by 10 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:50pm (AEST).
Kurt
Guest
******** Let the tears flow.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Do you mean that they weren't trying to win? Are there Pakistani cricketers on the board
Kane
Guest
I've always said this, make him be accountable and he's a very different player. He's almost a poor defender when he's one on one and can't intercept
Dankswonderelixir
Guest
Well on that note Kurt if the Tigers can make it to this years GF then you will have no issue if it is played at the opponents home ground?
Gyfox
Guest
Great win by Port & gripping game. This is what we want on Friday nights, not Carlton, Bulldogs, etc! But Port have to remember it was not at the MCG & Tigers were missing Dusty.
Kurt
Guest
I love the whole notion of an asterisk against a premiership, as to me it symbolises the bitter tears of supporters of the club that was defeated, unable to come to terms with the pathetic, weak performance of their club in the GF. So cry, cry Swans, Eagles and Crows supporters, and watch as your sad tears turn to asterisks on the page.
themadchatter
Guest
The Gray's aren't brothers. They certainly aren't related either.
Neil from Warrandyte
Guest
Tigers just taking it easy mid season, preparing nicely for the ramp up stage when it matters most.
Pelican
Guest
Well done to Ports very young back six. Coming along nicely. Howard had a cracker.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Picked Richmond. 8 goals isn't a lot for "the powerhouse".Caddy,Cotchin and Conca stunk it up with poor disposals and turnovers. No ruck contests for half the last quarter. Isn't Nankervis supposed to be a ruckman? Richmond didn't go hard enough to win, despite Port playing dead. Port have messed with the Tigers top 2 aspirations. Melbourne win,Tigers drop to third,Sydney win big,105 point win big,they drop to fourth, with the Swans to follow the bye at Docklands,no less. Even if the Swans don't crunch the Saints, it'll still be 3 vs 4 in Rd 15.Melbourne have to play their part of course
Craig
Guest
Old diving Rancey. He will be off the 5m springboard soon.
Joe B
Guest
There should be an asterisk next to the 2017 premiership... any premiership by an mcg tenant V a non-vic team.
Sammy
Guest
I hope one of the port crowd remind hardwick again that it is not so easy to beat teams away from home. How much of a loss was martin and to a lesser degree houli..in a game decided by a couple of goals
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Good win, but don't like how negative we played in the fourth quarter. Still, if the defence stands up like that every week, we'll be a tough out for anybody.
Damo
Guest
So are the Tigers officially flat track bullies now?
Damien Peck
Roar Guru
Full Time Port make a statement with a 14-point win over the premiers. Thanks for your comments this evening. Stay tuned for the match report on The Roar. Port Adelaide: 10.12 (72) Richmond: 8.10 (58)
User
Roar Rookie
If Richmond can't win outside Victoria and have only beaten up on lower placed sides at the MCG then they aren't the brutal powerhouse we keep hearing about.
XI
Roar Guru
Isn't it lucky that the Tigers automatically have a home Grand Final?
Damien Peck
Roar Guru
Behind 00:50 - Likely the last score of the night as Rance punches the ball through for a behind. Port Adelaide: 10.12 (72) Richmond: 8.10 (58)
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Quite frustrating losing Rochliffe to Port as if Lions wont struggling enough they then lose one of their best players.