We take a look at four big factors going into Saturday night's important match against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium...
Us…
Port Adelaide has gone for speed. White (from injury), Moore and Colquhoun come into the Power's line-up replacing injured Nathan Krakouer and omitted Brendon Ah Chee and Paul Stewart
FINAL TEAM: Three changes as Power chooses speed
And them…
Just one change for the Bombers, which have brought in Browne for Ashby and opted away from picking former Port and GWS ruckman Jonathon Giles and kept Shaun McKernan for sole duties against the Power's Lobbe-Ryder combo.
What we loved last week
Not much. No Port supporter in their right mind would enjoy a Showdown loss, let alone one by three points. Individual highlights were pleasing though, with Boak, Ryder, Gray and Wingard providing excitment throughout the afternoon. Unfortunately it's a team game, and the whole 22 in black, white and teal simply didn't get 'it' together last week.
How we fare: Players against their old sides
What we didn’t…
That 'it' refers to consistency and execution and, unfortunately, it's still missing in action - literally MIA. Port looked lost when the Crows banged on four consecutive goals in the third, but suddenly seemed to fix it all in the final term. Too few contributed to the collective execution-consistency dynamic, and it's happening far too often for many to stomach. Missing a Showdown win by three points just rubbed salt into the wounds.
What we want
Four quarters. Winning is great, but a consitent full-game performance has been lacking all season. Unfortunately the Power's inability to hit key targets, at key moments, be squeezed into uncomfortable postions and generally bring all its elements together for a complete match hasn't happened this year.
It goes without saying a win would be great, but it's not going to happen if the Power can't maintain good work, and good form, against the Bombers on Saturday night.
