SUMMARY
After dropping a game they really should have won last weekend against Carlton, the Power return home desperate to continue building back to their best. They’ll regain some experience in Alipate Carlile and Robbie Gray, but the home side’s task is immense. The Eagles are soaring after a percentage-boosting 103-point win over St Kilda last week. West Coast has seemingly countless avenues to goal, and spearheads Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras will both enter this contest in red-hot form. A win for the Power could be enough to see them slip into the top eight, which is huge motivation for any side, particularly in a season as tight as 2016 is shaping up to be.
Robbie Gray will return for the Power on Saturday Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, May 21, 3.05pm AWST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2015, West Coast 11.12 (78) d Port Adelaide 10.8 (68) at Adelaide Oval
R5, 2014, Port Adelaide 10.10 (70) d West Coast 7.14 (56) at Domain Stadium
R5, 2013, Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) d West Coast 10.19 (79) at AAMI Stadium
R21, 2012, West Coast 14.14 (98) d Port Adelaide 6.14 (50) at AAMI Stadium
R13, 2011, West Coast 15.20 (110) d Port Adelaide 13.10 (88) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide and West Coast last met in round six last year at Adelaide Oval, and the Eagles won a low-scoring game by 10 points. Matt Priddis was best on ground with 31 disposals.
2. The Power has won two of the last three clashes between the sides, but the Eagles overall have won four of the past six since 2011.
3. West Coast has so far travelled to Adelaide Oval three times for two wins, but did lose their last game at the venue; a 57-point thrashing by the Crows in round 22.
4. Heavily in the Power’s favour is their overall home record against the Eagles; Port have won 10 of its 14 home matches against West Coast.
5. Did you know the past three clashes between these teams have all gone down to the wire, decided by a combined total of 29 points?
6. Nic Naitanui could be in for a dominant day against a vastly less experienced ruckman in Jackson Trengove. A big performance would help Naitanui steady his falling Schick AFL Player Ratings and cement sixth spot.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Robbie Gray
Having missed several weeks with a hamstring injury, Power star Gray will need to hit the ground running on Saturday. At his best Gray is one of the competition’s most elite athletes, and Port will need him to be just that if they’re to stun the Eagles.
HARRY'S PREDICTION: West Coast by 25 points.
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