PORT ADELAIDE veteran Michael Wilson claims that a grand final match-up against runaway flag favourite Geelong would suit his side, leaving the Power poised to enjoy comfortable "underdog" status.
Many seasoned observers have already declared the 2007 premiership race a fait accompli, with the Cats streeting the field as exemplified by their 106-point massacre of the Kangaroos in a qualifying final last week.
But Wilson said a final against Geelong, who have not won a premiership since 1963, would allow Port to prepare minus much of the suffocating pressure that usually accompanies both grand finalists.
"They have been the best side for the year, so to say they aren't a great side is cutting them short, they're fantastic, they've smashed a lot of teams this year, and their first final was a pretty awesome effort as well.
"But having said that I think Port Adelaide will be pretty happy to play them in a grand final if we were to get there," he said.
"To be the underdogs I think is a great Port Adelaide way to go and I'm just really looking forward to the opportunity if it does come to beat them.
"Talking about Geelong it still feels a long way off, we've still got a prelim to go, they've still got a prelim to go, I'm still a little more worried about this weekend than Geelong at the moment."
Wilson said that the Power has flourished free from the burden of expectation, and have surprised even themselves this season with their sudden re-emergence as a premiership threat.
Unlike the Port Adelaide team of 2004, which carried the baggage of three failed finals campaigns, this year's group is fresh and genuinely excited to see how far 2007 can take them.
"There was a lot of pressure on the 2004 side to win games and win a final and things like that. At the moment, from where we came last year, it's been a great developing side. We've moved a long way and I guess the pressure is off us," Wilson said.
"No one thought we'd be here [in finals]. For a young side I think it's good to get a little bit of pressure off, but come finals time the pressure is on everyone and it's good to see who can stand up in those games."
Wilson was one Port Adelaide player thrilled to have secured a weekend off leading into next Saturday's preliminary final.
The injury-ravaged soldier is nursing a calf injury and was restricted to bike work at Wednesday's training session.
But for a man who played through the pain of two seriously injured shoulders and "fell over the line" in the Power's maiden premiership, a calf strain is no big deal.
"The calf should be all right next week. It's just a little bit of an injury I've been carrying for a while, but nothing new," Wilson said.
"We've got a few older players around like myself that will enjoy the week off. It's an extra game you're not playing, which reduces the chances of getting injured, and we get to sit back and watch the competition fight it out."
Wilson's veteran teammate Darryl Wakelin staked his claim on the full-back position with a solid hit-out, while Daniel Motlop and Brett Ebert were excused from the main group.
