SUMMARY
The good news is at least one of these two besieged teams will walk away with a win in round six (draws aside). The Power (2-3) and Tigers (1-4) are off the pace and quickly being dismissed as finalists, but both maintain they have time to turn their fortunes around. Injuries have played a role in each team's fortunes and the Tigers appear worse off this week, with All-Australian defender Alex Rance also unavailable because of suspension. It presents an opportunity for Power recruit Charlie Dixon to hit form against an under-manned Tigers defence.
It was a fiery encounter when these teams met in the NAB Challenge. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 30, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2015, Richmond 11.10 (76) d Port Adelaide 5.13 (43) at Adelaide Oval
1EF, 2014, Port Adelaide 20.12 (132) d Richmond 11.9 (75) at Adelaide Oval
R17, 2014, Richmond 19.12 (126) d Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, Richmond 18.6 (114) d Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) at AAMI Stadium
R23, 2012, Richmond 16.10 (106) drew Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jack Riewoldt kicked four of his team’s 11 goals the last time these sides met. Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak was his team's star with 35 possessions, but the Power kicked their second lowest ever score against Richmond.
2. Port Adelaide is ranked 17th for uncontested possessions (205.2 a game) after five weeks. The Power are also ranked 17th for kicks (184.8) and last for marks (66.4).
3. No team has taken less marks inside 50 than the Power in 2016, ranked 18th with an average of only eight a game. Richmond is equal sixth at 12.4 a game.
4. These teams haven’t played each other at the MCG since round 23, 2012 when the game finished in a draw. The Tigers have won three of the four matches played since.
5. Richmond is one of the worst tackling sides in 2016, ranked 16th with 60.4 a game. Port Adelaide has been impressive, ranked third with 74.4 a game.
6. Bachar Houli and Brandon Ellis are two prominent Tigers who have dropped in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Schick. Houli has dropped from 179 to 190 overall this season, while Ellis has fallen from 196 to 210 overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Alex Rance.
Perhaps no Tiger will be more anxious this week after letting his team down with an undisciplined strike that has ruled him out for two matches. Rance is the Tigers' most important defender – arguably their most important player – and his absence makes the task of beating Port Adelaide all the more challenging. He could have been out there if not for a brain fade that could leave the Tigers 1-5 and with their finals prospects gone.
SCHMOOK'S PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 15 points
