PORT ADELAIDE defender Ryan Burton is hoping for a big crowd at Adelaide Oval for Port’s blockbuster clash with Geelong on Saturday night.

The Power haven’t played at home since their Round 9 victory over Gold Coast, and Burton says being able to play for the side he grew up supporting is special.

“The Port crowd is outstanding,” Burton told FIVEaa’s Rowey and Bicks.

“I grew up supporting Port Adelaide, so I was one of those supporters in the stands.”

The 22-year-old says the atmosphere created by the pre-game entertainment, and the support of Port Adelaide’s loyal supporters is the greatest in the league.

“To see the pre-game stuff, which I think Port do the best in the AFL,” Burton said.

“Getting to run out in front of that, and play in front of that crowd is outstanding.

“It will be really good to get back there (to Adelaide Oval).”

Former Hawk Burton says he has a lot of respect for the ladder-leading Cats - something that stemmed from the rivalry of Geelong and Hawthorn in recent times.

“They are playing some outstanding footy this year,” he said.

“I’ve played against them a few times now - obviously for Hawthorn - and there were some very close games.

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for Geelong, and that won’t change this week.”

Geelong legend Gary Ablett has been in outstanding form this season - averaging 20 touches and two goals a game - and Burton says it will take a full team defensive effort to curb his forward line influence.

“I’m not sure who will go to Gary (Ablett),” he said.

“I guess we will go through all that stuff (on Thursday). They’ve got a very potent forward line.

“We will have to be on our A-game.”

Port hosts the Cats at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night in Round 14, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.