by woodublieve12 » Fri Aug 08, 2014 8:46 am
Port Adelaide has fallen away dramatically since narrowly losing to the Swans back in Round 13, winning only two of their last six games.
Ken Hinkley has admitted confidence is down at Alberton, and although there have been a few close losses, “it’s the way we’ve played and the way we’ve looked”.
Their loss to the Pies last week only makes this clash more important in their last-ditch effort to finish in the top four.
Sydney has found its feet after a minor slip against Hawthorn. They will aim to make a top-two finish their own as challengers below them are beginning to make some noise.
Port Adelaide defenders Jasper Pittard and Tom Jonas are set to play their 50th games.
LADDER
Port Adelaide:5th, 48pts, 130.2%. One game outside the top four.
Sydney:2nd, 56pts, 138.8%. Only percentage off top spot.
LAST WEEK
The Power missed a great opportunity to stay in touch with the top four, falling to Collingwood by six points.
The Swans shared the load in Lance Franklin’s absence to record an important 22-point win against finals hopefuls Essendon.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Rd 13, 2014: In one of the games of the year, who else but Franklin proved the difference as he kicked five goals in a four-point win.
THE WATER COOLER
After a week off with knee soreness, Buddy Franklin should be back to wreak havoc on the Power defense.
Can Adelaide Oval find its voice once again and play its part as the Power’s 19th man?
Is there any power left? Have Port run their race in 2014?
Sydney has won nine of its last ten against the Power by an average of 35 points.
KEY PLAYERS
Travis Boak (Port): His side plays their best football when he leads from the front.
Jay Schulz (Port): Needs goal-kicking support from Port’s small forwards.
Hamish Hartlett (Port): Goes missing too often. Needs to find consistency.
Adam Goodes (Syd): Recent form suggests he hasn’t lost any of his class.
Ben McGlynn (Syd): Gives his heart and soul. Underrated.
Nick Smith (Syd): Could get a job on a few Port smalls.
HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE
This will be the first fixture between the two sides at Adelaide Oval. Port has won eight of 10 matches here this year, but just one of its last three.
FINAL WORD
The gap has widened since they last played. Sydney by 23 points.
Aaron Fetter
@AaronFetter3
"Fellas, it’s OK to be in pain. It’s OK to hurt. It’s OK to be sad. It’s no longer OK to suffer in silence."