Port Adelaide’s effort against Adelaide was stirring, but truth is the Power desperately need a win to kick-start their season.
To state the obvious, Lions match-winner Jonathan Brown must be stopped and, if the Power do that and also string together a four-quarter effort, it should be enough to get the home side its first win for 2008.
Port Adelaide’s recent form: Lost to Adelaide by six, lost to Sydney Swans by 68 and lost to Geelong by nine.
Recent results against the Lions:
Round 13, 2007, Port Adelaide 17.10 (112) d Lions 15.15 (105) Gabba
Round 8, 2006, Lions 22.15 (147) d Port Adelaide 10.18 (78), AAMI Stadium
Round 21, 2005, Port Adelaide 11.15 (81) d Lions 7.9 (51), Gabba
Round 2, 2005, Port Adelaide 11.9 (75) d Lions 11.7 (73), AAMI Stadium
Grand final, 2004, Port Adelaide 17.11 (113) d Lions 10.13 (73), MCG
Strengths:
The Power won almost everywhere but on the scoreboard last week, with superior performances at the clearances, hit-outs and inside 50s in a classic display of physical, old-fashioned footy.
Port Adelaide showed an ability to match it with a tough side at contested footy without ever really getting its trademark running game going. Now, as defender Troy Chaplin said, the challenge is for the Power to back up the spirited effort with a win over the Lions on Saturday night.
Potential weakness:
Chaplin and company were resilient in defence on Sunday, restricting the Crows to just 12 goals and their lowest score of the season. The majority of Adelaide’s goals came from midfielders and defensive coach Adam Kingsley will take heart from the young backline’s improvement on the week before.
The Lions have one of the most potent forward lines in the league with Daniel Bradshaw resuming his role alongside Coleman medallist Jonathan Brown.
Brown and Bradshaw love AAMI Stadium and last time these two sides met at Port Adelaide’s home ground, the talented duo combined to kick 13 goals to send the Lions to an emphatic win.
Toby Thurstans and Alipate Carlile did well to contain the Crows talls last week, but Brisbane’s two star goalkickers are in a whole different league.
They’re sweating on…
Coach Mark Williams was left scratching his head on Sunday night as the Power again wasted numerous opportunities in front of goal. At one stage in the third quarter, Port Adelaide’s score read 4.11 in the low scoring, inaccurate affair.
The Power had chances to win against Geelong and Adelaide and could’ve gone into half time level with the Swans in round two with some straighter shooting.
High bombs inside the forward 50m have also dismantled Port Adelaide in recent weeks and rebounding Lions defenders Jed Adcock and Joel Patfull will pounce if the Power don't hit their targets going into attack.
Dangermen:
Peter Burgoyne: Burgoyne amassed 41 possessions and 13 marks last week to finish second to Crow Bernie Vince in the Showdown Medal voting. The veteran provided plenty of run from half-back pushing into the midfield. Burgoyne’s class and cool head will be a key in the Power’s ability to repel the Lions’ star-studded attack.
Justin Westhoff: The Power’s best first year player of 2007 picked up eight touches in the first half last week and could’ve had his side home if not for a free kick for a throw. The 21-year-old has had a quiet start to the season by his lofty standards and will be looking to slot a few goals on Saturday.
Kane Cornes: Cornes was among the Power’s best players in the thrilling win over the Lions last year courtesy of his shut-down job on Simon Black. The Lions have other prolific ball winners in Nigel Lappin and Luke Power though Cornes will no doubt be looking forward to another battle with the Brownlow Medallist.
It’s not generally known…
Nine of the 21 matches played between these two sides have been decided by 10 points or less and include two drawn matches.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
