AFL.com.au's Harry Thring previews the Power's Anzac Day Round clash against Geelong...
SUMMARY
After one of the most embarrassing performances in the club’s recent history last weekend against Greater Western Sydney, the Power need to rebound strongly against the Cats - who were delivered a scare of their own last week against Essendon. Port’s start to 2016 has proven worryingly dire for coach Ken Hinkley, who slammed his players’ commitment and intensity in last weekend’s 86-point defeat. The Cats weren’t able to pull away from the Bombers until late, but did so admirably to score a comfortable win. Port desperately needs to find its fire and hunger if it is to halt another season from slipping away, and another poor loss would see further questions raised as to its realistic ability to compete, while another win for Geelong would see the club further embed itself inside the top eight.
Travis Boak is a dual Peter Badcoe VC Medallist and will need to lead from the front against the Cats. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, April 23, 7.15pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R118, 2015, Geelong 14.8 (92) d Port Adelaide 11.3 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2014, Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) d Geelong 9.13 (67) at Adelaide Oval
SF, 2013, Geelong 13.18 (96) d Port Adelaide 12.8 (80) at the MCG
R20, 2013, Geelong 20.9 (129) d Port Adelaide 16.8 (104) at Simonds Stadium
R9, 2013, Geelong 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 9.14 (68) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Cats have dominated the Power over a long period of time, winning 11 of the last 12, and with 10 consecutive wins from 2007-13 including the 2007 Grand Final.
2. The teams have played twice at Adelaide Oval for one win each, while the Cats have also defeated the Crows at the venue.
3. Port Adelaide and Geelong will meet for the 30th time and the Cats hold a clear advantage, winning 19 games to nine with one draw.
4. Geelong defeated Port Adelaide the last time they met, winning by 23 points in round 11, 2015 at Adelaide Oval. Corey Enright was best on ground with 29 disposals.
5. Did you know Geelong has played eight times in their history on a Saturday night in Adelaide for only two wins? This will be the Cats’ first Saturday night game in Adelaide since 2009.
6. Superstar Patrick Dangerfield makes his return to Adelaide Oval this weekend, having crossed to Geelong from the Crows late last year. He’s ranked No. 2 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings and midfield teammate Joel Selwood is also inside the top 10 at No. 9.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Travis Boak
The Power’s skipper has copped significant criticism for his performance in last weekend’s loss, along with the club’s general leadership. As captain, Boak is ultimately responsible for setting the tone in any contest and needs to fire early against the Cats if Port is any chance to defy recent history.
