Whilst the match is not played for premiership points, it will be an important hit out for both sides.
Port Adelaide's coaching panel will particularly look to a number of up-and-coming younger players to enter the club's Round 1 team, with senior coach Matthew Primus confirming that up to six spots are still undecided in the club's starting lineup against St Kilda on April 1.
Melbourne has had an up-and-down NAB Cup thus far - going down to the Gold Coast by three points at Metricon Stadium and overcoming Brisbane by the same margin in the opening round-robin match, before upsetting a medium-strength Collingwood by nine points and being thrashed by Hawthorn last weekend. Nathan Jones and Colin Sylvia were standouts against the Hawks and should continue so tonight in what is a close to full-strength Demons side.
Port Adelaide has a solid record against the Demons, having won its historic clash against the red and blues at Adelaide Oval last year. The Power has defeated Melbourne in three of its last five games, and will look to continue in that vein tonight.
Travis Boak will captain the Power tonight with regular leader Dom Cassisi given the opportunity to travel interstate for family commitments and fans will be treated to a number of mainstay Port Adelaide players taking the field, with Danyle Pearce, Jackson Trengove, Paul Stewart, Robbie Gray and Kane Cornes all suiting up in the Power's black guernsey for tonight's clash.
It will also be the first outing for new Joint Major Partner, Foodbank SA, which will adorn the back of the club's home jumper for the 2012 premiership.
Tickets for the clash are only $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for concession and $2.00 for children under sixteen years at the gate. Port Adelaide ticket holders and children under six years get into the ground for free.
Key points
Match: NAB Cup Week 4
Opponent: Melbourne Demons
Venue: AAMI Stadium
Jumper: Black (V.I.P. Front, Foodbank back)
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black
Opponent uniform: (Clash) Red yoke with navy side panels and white torso, white shorts.
Captain: #10 Travis Boak
Coverage: Live on portadelaidefc.com.au, Facebook, Twitter and Radio on FiveAA.
