Poor ball usage - the continual turnovers that has plagued Port Adelaide’s recent games - continued against Essendon and are the key to the Power getting the four points against the top sides in the AFL, or not. 

Last Saturday’s game against the Dons was a real arm wrestle, but successive clearance wins to the Bombers set the match up for the visiting side in the final term. Yet it wasn’t the Bombers’ late-game clearances that put Port Adelaide away however, but rather Port's inability to make the most of its opportunities.

With easy shots close to goal missed and turnovers through poor disposal leading to nine Essendon goals, the Power prevented itself from at least being equal with the Dons at the last change and built momentum for Essendon to run away with the game in the final quarter.

Against Melbourne, Port Adelaide needs to fix its ability to win, retain and effectively use possession. The Demons are the first lower-ranked opponent (albiet one place below on the ladder) the club has played for some time. Port therefore needs to be perfectly prepared in skills and condition-readiness for the top end challenge.

Read more: Talking points

For the first week in many, Port Adelaide should welcome back key players, rather than go without them. Captain Dom Cassisi and explosive midfielder David Rodan will be considered for selection and would be useful inclusions in a side desperate to field in-form, upper echelon players. Cassisi’s leadership and the ‘x-factor’ nature of Rodan’s game would be critical in what is likely to be a tight, even contest in the tough conditions of Darwin.

Read more: Injury update 

The great equaliser 

Port Adelaide has played In Darwin eight times for just three wins. Generally featuring against the Bulldogs or Melbourne, the Power holds the AFL scoring record (23.9.147) for TIO Stadium set in 2004, but has never defeated the Demons in the top end. Typically hosting matches with slippery conditions due to the heat and humidity of the Northern Territory, TIO Stadium is one of those regional venues that can throw up any sort of result - both blowouts and close contests - and the Power players will need to be primed and ready for the match

Watch now: Paul Stewart talks contracts, Boak and preparing for Darwin


Forming up

PortAdelaideFC.com.au reviews three players who continue to build in form ahead of this weekend's match.

Travis Boak 

Since returning from foot surgery, Boak has had an unassuming yet effective return to form. Despite showing only glimpses of his flashy, game breaking ability, Boak’s effectiveness has been highlighted by his disposal counts of 25 and 29 in the two game he has played following his month-long absence. Combined with good defensive numbers, Boak is poised to break a game open and he was pivotal to the Power’s win over Richmond in Darwin last year.

Andrew Moore

As with Boak, Moore’s numbers have been good - with game high disposals for 2012 against Hawthorn and 20 touches against Geelong. Moore has consistently featured in games since Round 11 and has generally been an effective midfielder who can pile on the defensive pressure around the footy. His position in the Power line up is secure but he is still a break out game away from really turning heads. 

Brett Ebert

Despite playing as a small forward, Brett Ebert has been gradually playing himself back into form and with three goals to his name and a number of influences around the ground against Essendon was one of Port Adelaide’s highest ranked Dream Team performers. Having played slowly back into form since returning against Fremantle, Ebert’s three goal and multiple-possession performance against the Bombers bodes well for a continuation of his scoreboard impact. 

Fact file

Port Adelaide has just a ten percent winning record when playing ‘away’ to Melbourne, this includes games in both Melbourne and the MCG. The head-to-head record between the two sides is one of the closest in terms of rewarding the home side with victory. 

The ledger

Played: 24, Port Adelaide: 13, Melbourne: 11


The last time

Round 24, 2011 Adelaide Oval - Port Adelaide 17.10 (112) def Melbourne 15.14 (104)


Match details
Melbourne v Port Adelaide
TIO Stadium, Darwin
Saturday 21 July 2012
Opening bounce: 7.10pm (CST)
Game Day and Broadcast guide
Match centre


Final word

Normally featuring as the ‘away’ team in the Darwin games for Victorian teams, this is familiar territory for the Power and they’ll look to come home with its fifth win for the year (and first against the Dees in the NT).