Melbourne is far more competitive than it has been for the past few seasons, with their midfield of Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson, Daniel Cross and Bernie Vince leading the way. But the loss of Chris Dawes to suspension will be particularly challenging for Melbourne to overcome.
WHERE AND WHEN: Traeger Park, Saturday May 31, 1.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2013, Port Adelaide 19.19 (133) d Melbourne 8.6 (54) at the MCG
R17, 2012, Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) d Melbourne 8.8 (56) at TIO Stadium
R24, 2011, Port Adelaide 17.10 (112) d Melbourne 15.14 (104) at Adelaide Oval
R17, 2011, Melbourne 17.11 (113) d Port Adelaide 14.8 (92) at TIO Stadium
R21, 2010, Port Adelaide 17.10 (112) d Melbourne 11.17 (83) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide has taken the ball Inside 50 more than any other side in 2014, with 55.9 entries per game. Melbourne is ranked 17th in the competition with 43.1 per game.
2. Port Adelaide has taken more marks inside 50 this year than any other team in the competition, averaging 14.2 per game. Melbourne is ranked 16th in the League with 8.9 per game.
3. Melbourne is ranked last in the competition for centre clearances this season (9.3 per game), well behind Port Adelaide's 14.3 a game which places them third in the League.
4.This will the first premiership season game played at Traeger Park in Alice Springs. The ground will become the 44th venue to have hosted a game in AFL history.
5. Chad Cornes, Brett Ebert, David Neitz and Warren Tredrea have each recorded hauls of six goals, which is the largest tally in clashes between the sides.
6. Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard has charged up to No. 24 in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Melbourne's Lynden Dunn is also on the move, coming into No. 127.
