BOTH TEAMS hit by injury - and form - Saturday night's clash between the Power and Tigers will be a valuable circuit-breaker for one side.
Clubland
Ouch. Port Adelaide got a triple whack prior to selection with Jackson Trengove banned, and Chad Wingard and Robbie Gray hit by injury. Along with Matthew Lobbe and Karl Amon omitted from the side, the Power has made five changes.
Richmond has brought Brett Deledio and Shaun Hampson back into the team in a valuable boost for the Tigers.
A problem of time and space
The Power isn't playing good football across the ground, and has been patchy throughout games in the first month of the season.
Statistically Port performs well in some areas, in others it’s among the worst in the league.
There was a strong quarter of footy against the Cats last Saturday, followed by three pretty average terms. Clearly, the Power is capable, its effort – as players noted through the last fortnight – is missing in action. The shift must happen now.
Underdogs
The Power's are long-priced odds tonight on the back of injuries and suspensions to key players and poor form for many others.
The team that took the field in Round 1 was arguably the Power's best 22 at the start of the year - seven members of that line-up won't front the Tigers.
Even if the Power is undermanned, it's no excuse for those named to not produce a consistent effort. Ken Hinkley won't stand for it.
Rivalry
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There's a growing history between these two sides, with on-field bust-ups and blowout wins on both sides crafting a unique rivalry in the competition.
With both clubs trading players and coaches over the years, there's sure to be a bit of heat this weekend.
The Final Word
Port supporters are craving a victory, but they’re also craving improvement in the way the Power plays and the effort they attack the game with. Tonight's game is a question of intent for Port.
Afterwords
Port Adelaide will wear its clash jumper for the first time this year.
Jared Polec will play his 50th AFL game against the Tigers.
This is the Power's first of two games at the MCG, the next being against Collingwood.
Port Adelaide plays Richmond at the MCG at 7.25pm on Saturday 30 April.
