PORT ADELAIDE will host Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night in the qualifying final of the SANFL Statewide Super League.
The Magpies finished second on the ladder after the home-and-away season - with a 13-5 record -just two points behind Glenelg, while the Crows (third), Sturt (fourth) and Norwood (fifth) completed the top five.
Port Adelaide SANFL coach Matthew Lokan has been pleased with his side’s form leading into the huge clash with Adelaide, having won eight of their last nine matches.
Lokan says it is going to be an entertaining finals series with five very strong teams competing for the silverware.
“We are happy with the way we have played this season,” Lokan told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“The boys are in some really good form, but it’s a different kettle of fish when finals come around.
“We still have some work to do, there are four other very good teams looking to win the competition.”
Lokan has been impressed with Adelaide this season, and he knows it will be a hard-fought contest on Saturday night.
“We have had two good battles with the Crows already this season,” Lokan said.
“They have some dangerous players and are capable of kicking a winning score.
“We will continue to focus on the things that make us a good side, and that starts with being really strong in the contest.
“I’ve been happy with that aspect of our game - especially over the last eight weeks - and we will be looking to continue that on Saturday.”
The Magpies will be without Aidyn Johnson for Saturday night’s clash with the Crows after the small forward accepted a one-match suspension for rough conduct, and Lokan says while it’s not ideal, the depth within the group has been a real positive all year.
“We have had changes throughout the year,” he said.
“We are a really focussed and connected group, and we have been able to adapt well to changes this season.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Aidyn to miss the qualifying final, but it gives an opportunity to another young player to experience a big game.”
The Magpies and Crows will do battle at Adelaide Oval from 7.05pm on Saturday night.
