Port Adelaide’s recent form: beat Melbourne by 78, lost to Collingwood by 31, lost to Carlton by 66, lost to St Kilda by eight and lost to Fremantle by 28.

The Power got their groove back last week with a clinical display against Melbourne. Port Adelaide generated run through the lines and recorded 55 inside 50s - some 10 more than the week prior.

The Power conceded a 10-point lead at three-quarter time lead to go down to North Melbourne in round 15 this season when skipper Warren Tredrea missed a tough shot on goal from the boundary line.

The Power’s personnel has changed considerably in the past eight weeks, but if Port Adelaide can match it with the Roos at the stoppages and also assert its high-octane style of play on the game, the result could be a lot closer than people think.

North Melbourne had won six games straight prior to last week’s loss to Geelong. The Kangaroos have a huge ‘carrot’ at the end of Saturday’s game with fourth place assured if they win.

Dean Laidley’s charges have been consistent performers all season and with David Hale, Brent Harvey and unsung heroes Michael Firrito and Drew Petrie all in good form, it will be a tough ask for the undermanned Port Adelaide line up.

Marlon Motlop: the skillful 18-year-old gave Power coaches and supporters, alike, a window into his potential last week with 14 possessions in just over half a game of football. Motlop won three clearances in among the bigger midfield bodies and should have converted both of his two shots on goal. The promising teenager will be given another opportunity against North Melbourne this week and will be keen to test himself against a top quality side.

Daniel Motlop: Marlon’s cousin returned to the side with a bang last week finishing with 5.2 and 16 possessions. Motlop’s first goal last week took him to the 50-goal milestone for the first time in a single season and was a just reward for an individually brilliant 2008. The former Roo managed just one goal against North Melbourne in round 15 and will be out to better his goal tally in his last game this year.

Alipate Carlile: Carlile, who routinely matches up on the opposition’s best forward, has been a surprise packet for the Power this season and is likely to share the job on in-form Kangaroo David Hale on Saturday. Hale, in the absence of injured forward Nathan Thompson, outpointed Geelong’s All-Australian Matthew Scarlett and kitten Harry Taylor last week on his way to a career-high eight goals. Carlile, Toby Thurstans and Troy Chaplin all give away size to the Roos’ 201cm forward, but will need to find away to combat him.

Peter Burgoyne: The premiership star stuck it to his critics last week with a vintage performance in the midfield. The 30-year-old racked up 37 possessions, seven clearances, seven inside 50s and two goals in a best on ground display against Melbourne. The Power’s indigenous brigade kicked the team’s seven opening goals in the trouncing of the Dees and Burgoyne, along with brother Shaun, Danyle Pearce and Daniel Motlop, will be out to finish the season on a high.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.