SUMMARY
After a commanding win over the Brisbane Lions last weekend, Melbourne will enter this game against Port Adelaide as favourites.
Traditionally, the Demons have not coped well with that tag but this team is far more resilient than in the past.
Key forward Jesse Hogan is in fine form, kicking five goals in a best afield performance against the Lions.
Pleasingly for Paul Roos and his coaching staff, Melbourne is not just relying on the influence of Nathan Jones or Bernie Vince.
The Demons have also received valuable contributions from youngsters including Christian Petracca and Billy Stretch.
The Power's topsy-turvy season continued with a loss to West Coast but they can maintain contact with the top eight with a win over the Demons.
It will be up to the club's leaders Robbie Gray, Travis Boak and Brad Ebert to stand up and deliver in their club's time of need.
Max Gawn . Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: TIO Traeger Park, Saturday, May 28, 1.40pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2015, Port Adelaide 18.7 (115) d Melbourne 8.6 (54) at TIO Traeger Park
R18, 2014, Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) d Melbourne 10.9 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R11, 2014, Port Adelaide 14.11 (95) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Traeger Park
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Demons are averaging 108 points per game this season, the first since 2002 they have averaged more than 100 points per match.
2. Melbourne and Port Adelaide are set to meet for the 30th time, with the Power holding the overall advantage with 18 wins.
3. Port Adelaide is the number one tackling side in 2016, averaging 80.1 tackles per game. Brad Ebert and Ollie Wines are both ranked inside the AFL's top 10 for tackles. The Demons are equal seventh.
4. This will be the third premiership season game played in Alice Springs at TIO Traeger Park. The Power have won the previous two matches between the sides.
5. Port Adelaide has had more clangers in 2016 than any other side, averaging 57.4 per game. The Power are also ranked last in the AFL for effective disposal efficiency, operating at 70.3 per cent.
6. Young Melbourne star Jesse Hogan scored 26.1 Schick AFL Player Ratings points against the Brisbane Lions last weekend. That was the fourth-highest score of the round.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Max Gawn. After a blazing start to the season, the Melbourne ruckman has cooled off in the past fortnight as opposition teams have put more work into curtailing his influence. With the Power having to play the undersized Jackson Trengove in the ruck, Gawn could have a big say in the result of this match.
BEN GUTHRIE'S PREDICTION: Melbourne by 15 points.
