THE FOUR POINTS
MELBOURNE
1. The Demons must find a way to stop opposition teams from dominating for a quarter. It makes winning next to impossible when the Dees hang tough for three quarters, yet go completely missing for one quarter. Last week Freo kicked nine unanswered goals to end the game, the fifth time the Demons have conceded at least eight consecutive goals in a game during 2012.
2. Stefan Martin was a bright spot last week. He rucked solo after Mark Jamar left the ground with a calf injury and had a big impact on the game. He wins clearances and is mobile enough to find the football around the ground. He has the chance to shine against Port Adelaide's limited ruck stocks. The question Melbourne faces is whether to risk playing him on his own, with James Sellar the possible back-up.
3. The Demons have won their only two games in Darwin, both against Port Adelaide. Melbourne has rarely gone into games this season with an even money chance of winning, yet it has the chance to show the improvement it has made this season by beating a Port Adelaide side that has lost its past five games.
4. Brad Green made a welcome return to the team last week, presenting well and kicking three goals. He made his way into dangerous spaces and played as though the shackles had come off. He has kicked five goals this season from seven games yet remains dangerous. However Mitch Clark, who is out for the season after kicking 29 goals in the first 11 games, still looks a near certainty to win the club's goal kicking with Nathan Jones and Jeremy Howe the next best with 12 goals apiece. The Dees need to find a way to kick a winning score against the Power.
1. While he couldn't recover from injury in time for last weekend's match against Essendon, captain Dom Cassisi's expected return will be massive for the Power. They looked better through the midfield against the Bombers, but lacked the leadership needed when the game was on the line. Cassisi's leadership will be much needed, as a solid win over Melbourne would do the Power a world of good.
2. Port's inability to play four quarters continues to hurt the club and it's starting to hurt the players. Justin Westhoff questioned his side's will to win last weekend, when they conceded the last eight goals of the game to the Bombers. Four quarters of their best football should be enough to get them over the line against the Demons, but they have only been able to do that once or twice this season.
3. Although no rain is forecast for Darwin, the players expect Saturday night's game to be as slippery as wet weather football. Paul Stewart said that's fine by the Power - they like it that way. They thrashed Carlton at a soaking AAMI Stadium back in round 10 and Stewart said he backed the side to do the same thing to Melbourne.
4. Jay Schulz's absence has really hurt the Power when they enter attack. They often look directionless and clearly lack a commanding target. They also miss his accuracy in front of goal. Coach Matthew Primus rued his side's missed opportunities last week, with several players failing to make the most of their chances. Paul Stewart booted four against the Crows and Brett Ebert three last week, but they need Brad Ebert, Danyle Pearce, Chad WIngard and a few others to kick multiple goals.
AFL.com.au prediction: Port Adelaide by 23 points??
