CAN PORT ADELAIDE string three-on-the-trot, or will Carlton give the Power the Blues again?
Clubland
Port Adelaide continues to tinker with its line-up. Despite a hefty 77-point win last week, selectors still made one change to the Power line-up with Jimmy Toumpas omitted for the in-form Karl Amon.
Carlton has opted to go into Sunday arvo's game unchanged.
Leg tester
Port Adelaide's first game at Etihad since the NAB Challenge will give it the opportunity to put its fitness to the test. The roof should be closed, so with a fast deck against Brendon Bolton's Blues, the Power will be able to see just how fit it is this year.
Carlton's side has an edge in experience and age, but Port has been playing competitive football these past two weeks.
How it holds up on a dry deck will be shown on Sunday.
The last time they met...
The Power went down in an ugly loss at the 'G.
But Carlton is a different side now, Brendon Bolton having injected life into the Bluebaggers this year. They've won three in a row and are gunning for another scalp. Port will be wary of Carlton's form, but will itself be hunting a consistent performance to set-up a win.
Forward march
The Power enjoyed last week's onslaught against the Lions at the Adelaide Oval, with key forward target Charlie Dixon beginning to fire as the multiple goal kicker he was brought to give the Power. Paired with Justin Westhoff - superb last week - Dixon adds plenty to the Power's forward stocks.
But it's the players surrounding this duo that will probably decide the Power's success rate. Aaron Young is in career-best form, Chad Wingard is a class act and Jake Neade is offering plenty as the Power's defensive small forward. If these guys can get on the end of a few goals, the Power will be in the box seat to crack wins.
The Final Word
Blues will pose a big challenge but Power has shown it has the right stuff when it needs it this year.
Afterwords
Jack Hombsch will play his 50th consecutive AFL game this weekend.
Port Adelaide plays Carlton at Etihad Stadium at 1.10pm (AEST) on Sunday 15 May. Check your local broadcast details here
MORE...
