AS PORT ADELAIDE speeds towards the halfway mark of the season, can it kick its quest back to life?
Clubland
Hombsch (hamstring) and Amon (omitted) come out of the Power's line-up, replaced by Matthew Broadbent - recovered from gastro - and debutant Logan Austin.
Collingwood has recalled the services of Travis Cloke, Ben Sinclair and Matthew Goodyear after Darcy Moore (Collarbone), Taylor Adams (Hamstring) and Alex Fasolo (Shoulder) were hit by injury.
Rain, rain
From the heat of Alice Springs to the cold of Melbourne, it doesn't get much different weather-wise in a week for Port Adelaide. With forecast showers for the 'G, things might get interesting when the Power comes to town. A wide ground and difficult playing conditions make this an unpredictable game.
This weeks' Smarter Data gives you an insight into how the Power and Collingwood use the boundary.
It's Collingwood
On Saturday we reflected on 10 reasons Port fans don't like Collingwood. One of the main ones? Games are usually quite close. Certainly the recent history between the Power and Pies is one of exciting heart-stoppers.
Last week's improvement
Port used it better. It's that simple. Usage of the footy has been the Power's problem all year, but against the Dees they were clinical, effective and showed what can be done when they measure themselves going forward.
The spike in wins at stoppages has also aided the Power's quest. Now they need to be consistent and do it against the Pies.
Logan's litmus test
Ken Hinkley said it best when he told Logan Austin he would make his debut on Sunday, "Game One. Whatever it is, is what it'll be."
Walking out to the MCG against Collingwood for your first game is a big deal on a big stage. As has been seen with Darcy Byrne-Jones, the support from more experienced teammates is crucial in a player's first eight games, and perhaps most important on debut. The regulars will get around their newly minted teammate on Sunday - not just to build his confidence, but that of the team as well.
Final word
With plenty riding on this game for both teams, the Power needs to keep its improvements against the Demons going.
Afterwords
Logan Austin becomes Port Adelaide's 160th AFL player when he plays his first game for Power on Sunday.
Port Adelaide will wear black armbands in memory of Wendy Moss who passed away this week. Wendy is the daughter of Alfie Trebilcock who has been the club’s boot-studder for 48 years.
Port Adelaide plays Collingwood at the MCG at 1.10pm (AEST) on Sunday 5 June.
