LAST time these two sides met torrential rain marred the thrilling extra-time result.
On Sunday, the Power will be hoping to open a floodgate of a different kind when they tackle the Cats in forecast dry conditions at AAMI Stadium.
Complacency concerns aside, Port Adelaide will be intent on showing they can mix it with Victoria’s best. The Geelong clash marks the first of two consecutive home games for the Power and a two-nil result would bring a September berth that much closer.
Josh Mahoney has fallen victim to the Power’s selection-pressure while Jacob Surjan will return with the arduous task of minding classy Cat Gary Ablett Jr.
Port Adelaide’s recent form: lost to the Swans by 31, beat Richmond by 40, beat Melbourne by 5, beat St Kilda by 53 and beat Collingwood by 18.
Recent results against Geelong:Round 15, 2006, Geelong 9.14 (68) d Port Adelaide 8.10 (58), SS
Round 16, 2005, Geelong 18.18 (126) d Port Adelaide 7.5 (47), SS
Round 5, 2005, Geelong 15.9 (99) d Port Adelaide 15.5 (95), AAMI
Qualifying Final, 2004, Port Adelaide 18.9 (117) d Geelong 9.8 (62), AAMI
Round 10, 2004, Port Adelaide 18.8 (116) d Geelong 17.10 (112), AAMI
Strengths
The Power’s problem last week was not getting the ball - they won the clearances 37-28 - but rather what to do with it when Port they took possession.
Unlike the Swans, Geelong is a free-running team with an exciting midfield and less-restrictive game plan.
The brothers Burgoyne, brothers Cornes and one and only Salopek, Steve, will be pitted in a fascinating battle against Geelong’s Gary Ablett Jr, Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly. If the Port Adelaide onballers can find some space and win this minor battle, the Power will be well poised to win the game.
Potential weaknesses
The Geelong forwards are purring at the moment, backing up their demolition of Richmond and the reigning premiers with a convincing win over Fremantle.
Steve Johnson was the hero last week, but the small forward had help from Nathan and Gary Ablett, Cam Mooney, Brad Ottens and South Aussie Travis Varcoe.
The Port Adelaide defence is a work in progress, but inexperienced back men Michael Pettigrew and Toby Thurstans will need to be at their best to assist veterans Darryl Wakelin and Dom Cassisi in containing the clever Cats.
They’re sweating on
Shaun Burgoyne is an absolute star, but has been out of sorts this season as he tries to cope with some newfound close attention.
Unfortunately for Burgoyne and the Power, the task doesn’t get any easier this week. Geelong tagger Cameron Ling is renowned for his tight checking and recently kept Daniel Kerr possession-less for a half of footy.
Burgoyne has been effective in moves up forward, slotting through 10 goals to trail only Brett Ebert in the Power’s goalkicking. However, the silky midfielder is far more damaging at the stoppages and the Power will be hoping he can find some space and make a quick return to his brilliant best.
Dangermen
Kane Cornes: The Power’s leading possession winner may be forced to sacrifice his game this week. Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel has been in stellar form and trails only Chris Judd in Brownlow Medal betting. The fearless 24-year-old will lead by example no matter what the role and will be an important player for the Power on Sunday.
Peter Burgoyne: Shaun’s strain is Peter’s gain with the elder of the two Burgoynes, averaging 23 possessions a game this season. Burgoyne has so far escaped the focus of opposition taggers, which has allowed the premiership player to make a swift return to his former mantle as one of the league’s biggest ball-winners. With younger brother Shaun under pressure and Indigenous Round upon us, expect a big performance from the passionate 29-year old.
Chad Cornes: No one in the Port Adelaide team hates losing more than Chad Cornes. The determined utility missed last year’s clash with the Cats because of a punctured lung and will be keen to make his presence felt on Sunday. Cornes’ enthusiasm is infectious and Mark Williams will again look to Chad to get the team home against Geelong.
It’s not generally known...
Chad Cornes leads the Power in kicks and marks this season.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
