PORT Adelaide has shaken up the dynamic of the side that went down to the Crows last week for Saturday’s game against sixth-ranked Essendon at AAMI Stadium.
The Teams
Port Adelaide
Form: W L L L L L L W W W L L L L
Ranked: 15th
Essendon
Form: W W W W L W W W W L L W W L
Ranked: 6th
Keys to victory
Port Adelaide left last week’s Showdown searching for answers after the Crows exposed them by 58 points. Despite being outplayed by its crosstown rival, the Power demonstrated the style of football it wants to play in patches, characterised by quick movement of the ball by hand and foot across the centre of the ground.
The key to that game style working simply comes down to skill execution and impact at contests. All too often in the losses to Adelaide, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs did the Power concede possession through inaccurate disposal. It has the leg speed and accuracy in front of goals to put a score on the board, but the task given to the young forward line is made consistently difficult through poor delivery.
Read more: Round 16 Selection
Port Adelaide welcomes back a number of players to the side, but captain Domenic Cassisi and midfielder David Rodan have been held back for another week so that their respective hip and hamstring injuries recover properly.
Read more: Cassisi, Rodan unlucky to miss
Read more: Round 16 Selection
Walking wounded
Port Adelaide welcomes back a number of players to the side, but captain Domenic Cassisi and midfielder David Rodan have been held back for another week so that their respective hip and hamstring injuries recover properly.
Read more: Cassisi, Rodan unlucky to miss
The right mix
Historically Port Adelaide matches up well against Essendon. Maintaining the lead on the head-to-head history between the two teams 14-8, the Power pushed Essendon to the hilt the last time they met in Round 2 and has not been beaten by the Bombers at AAMI Stadium since 2000.
The loss of the Bombers goal sneak Michael Hurley, as well as Patrick Ryder to a calf strain combined with the return of Matt Thomas and Jarrad Redden has crafted the right mix for the Power to bag an upset come Saturday afternoon.
Read more: Behind Enemy Lines
Key Matchups
Darren Pfeiffer v Alwyn Davey
Pfeiffer was one of Port Adelaide’s better players against the Crows and featured in many pundits’ best players. Davey is an explosive forward for the Bombers and can punish undisciplined teams. Pfeiffer has taken many steps forward in 2012 after being picked up in the pre-season draft. Another solid and disciplined performance from him could restrict one of Essendon’s more useful playmakers.
Travis Boak v Jobe Watson
Travis Boak’s return from injury last week saw him feature in the Power's best players. It was encouraging to see the club’s vice captain demonstrate his trademark ability to set up plays. He’ll line up in the centre against Brownlow medal favourite Jobe Watson, and will need to be as influential as the Bombers captain if Port Adelaide are going to nail their forward entries and inside ball movement on Saturday.
The loss of the Bombers goal sneak Michael Hurley, as well as Patrick Ryder to a calf strain combined with the return of Matt Thomas and Jarrad Redden has crafted the right mix for the Power to bag an upset come Saturday afternoon.
Read more: Behind Enemy Lines
Key Matchups
Darren Pfeiffer v Alwyn Davey
Pfeiffer was one of Port Adelaide’s better players against the Crows and featured in many pundits’ best players. Davey is an explosive forward for the Bombers and can punish undisciplined teams. Pfeiffer has taken many steps forward in 2012 after being picked up in the pre-season draft. Another solid and disciplined performance from him could restrict one of Essendon’s more useful playmakers.
Travis Boak v Jobe Watson
Travis Boak’s return from injury last week saw him feature in the Power's best players. It was encouraging to see the club’s vice captain demonstrate his trademark ability to set up plays. He’ll line up in the centre against Brownlow medal favourite Jobe Watson, and will need to be as influential as the Bombers captain if Port Adelaide are going to nail their forward entries and inside ball movement on Saturday.
Matthew Lobbe v Tom Bellchambers
With Patrick Ryder out of the match, Bomber Tom Bellchambers is likely to start in the ruck against Matt Lobbe. Port has chosen two rucks with Jarrad Redden coming into the side. Lobbe was disappointing against likely All-Australian Sam Jacobs last week, but has the ability to perform to a high standard as a tall and a forward. Expect to see ‘Lobbes’ play for redemption this weekend.
With Patrick Ryder out of the match, Bomber Tom Bellchambers is likely to start in the ruck against Matt Lobbe. Port has chosen two rucks with Jarrad Redden coming into the side. Lobbe was disappointing against likely All-Australian Sam Jacobs last week, but has the ability to perform to a high standard as a tall and a forward. Expect to see ‘Lobbes’ play for redemption this weekend.
The ledger
Played: 32, Port Adelaide: 14, Essendon: 8
Played: 32, Port Adelaide: 14, Essendon: 8
The last time
Round 2, 2012 Etihad Stadium - Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) def by Essendon 16.15 (111)
Round 2, 2012 Etihad Stadium - Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) def by Essendon 16.15 (111)
Match details
Port Adelaide v Essendon
AAMI Stadium, West Lakes
Saturday 14 July 2012
Opening bounce: 1.40pm (SA time)
Game Day and Broadcast guide
Match centre
Port Adelaide v Essendon
AAMI Stadium, West Lakes
Saturday 14 July 2012
Opening bounce: 1.40pm (SA time)
Game Day and Broadcast guide
Match centre
Final word
A great chance for the Power and with some big outs for Essendon, Port Adelaide should take the win.
A great chance for the Power and with some big outs for Essendon, Port Adelaide should take the win.
