BELLIGERENTS
PORT ADELAIDEYear to date: WWLWWWWWW
Last five at ground: WWWWW
Currently ranked: 1st
ST KILDA
Year to date: WWLLWLLLLL
Last five at ground: not played
Currently ranked: 16th
HEAD TO HEAD
Power 14 v 10 Saints
LAST FIVE
Power 3 v 2 Saints
PLAYBILL
2014 AFL Premiership Season - Round 12Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Saturday 7 June
First bounce 4:10pm (ACST)
Hashtags: #pafclive #aflpowersaints
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YOU’RE INVITED
Official pre-game eventMarch from the Mall
Cnr Stephens Place and Rundle Mall
Adelaide
Starts approximately 2:50pm
Official post-game event
William Magarey Room
Level 3, Riverbank Stand
Starts after the conclusion of the game
Selected players and officials in attendance
TIME MACHINE
Round 17, 2013. After getting out to a huge first quarter start, the Power was reeled in by the Saints and looked set to lose out in the last quarter with the home side having all the momentum. Thanks to some brilliant defensive marking from Justin Westhoff and a strong last quarter goal from Jasper Pittard, the Power held on for an important win in the run to finals.PORT ADELAIDE 7.4 10.8 11.10 14.13 (97)
ST KILDA 2.2 4.5 9.9 13.14 (92)
Best: Westhoff, Jonas, Broadbent, Lobbe, Wingard, R. Gray
Goals: J. Butcher 3, Wingard, Westhoff, Pittard 2, Lobbe, Schulz, Monfries, R. Gray, Mitchell
at Etihad Stadium
NUMBER CRUNCH
Points For: Power 1094 v 671 SaintsPoints Against: Power 760 v 1046 Saints
Kicks: Power 2139 v 2037 Saints
Handballs: Power 1622 v 1520 Saints
Marks: Power 938 v 912 Saints
Disposals: Power 3761 v 3557 Saints
Contested possessions: Power 1412 v 1335 Saints
Frees: Power 159 v 152 Saints
Tackles: Power 676 v 647 Saints
Clearances: Power 387 v 400 Saints
Inside-50s: Power 563 v 439 Saints
Rebound 50s: Power 326 v 384 Saints
FOUR POINTS
Play our wayPort Adelaide was challenged by Melbourne last week and while the Power got the win, the Dees finished ahead in total (+57) and contested (+15) disposals. Hawthorn did so the week before (+67), Fremantle the round before that (+3) and GWS also edged the Power in the possession count (+2) - that's four consecutive games where the Power has won less ball than their opposition. One interesting characteristic of Port Adelaide's last month is that it has been able to give ample supply inside 50. It's a factor that has heaped pressure on opposition defence and given Port Adelaide the breathing space it's needed to kick a big score. But as identified by many of the Power playing list in the Round 11 aftermath, the Power wants to get back to playing 'its way' and that means four-quarter dominance in all facets of the game.
Richo’s Return
He's back and this time it's for sheepstations. Alan Richardson was one part of the triumvirate that helped established the new Port Adelaide football department at the end of 2012 and won the senior coaching position at St Kilda at the end of the Power's resurgent 2013 campaign. He's been back at Alberton during the pre-season when the Power got up over the Saints, but this will be the first time Port Adelaide has met his St Kilda side for premiership points. Given his involvement establishing aspects of the game plan at Alberton, the Saints will benefit from his vital knowledge. That said, Ken Hinkley has evolved Port Adelaide again this year, so as with many business secrets, inside knowledge can only last so long out of an organisation. Port will be on its guard though.
Hospital Room
The Power's injury list has swelled in the 48 hours before selection is announced with skipper Travis Boak and speedster Matt White both failing to train in Wednesday's main session, while Chad Wingard will need to be cleared to return from a concussion and both Andrew Moore (surgery) and Paul Stewart (ruled out) also set to miss. That's at least four and potentially five forced changes from the team that ran out against the Dees in Alice Springs. Keeping in mind Hamish Hartlett will return from suspension and Tom Jonas, Dom Cassisi and Angus Monfries were all assessed on Wednesday, the quality coming into the side will lessen potential losses. Nevertheless, no team like to make five forced changes due to injury.
Home advantage
The Power and the Saints have had some good clashes over the years, but Port Adelaide has a very handy advantage when it comes to performances at home. At AAMI Stadium the Power won eight out of 11 matches and remains undefeated at the Adelaide Oval. Important figures that supporters will hope the Power adds to this weekend.
