SUMMARY
After a slow start to the year, Chad Cornes's Magpies got their first win on the board in Round 3.
The players will be fresh coming off a bye as they face Central District for its ANZAC Round match, with the help of a few handy returns from injury.
WHERE AND WHEN: Alberton Oval, Sunday 24th April. First Bounce: 2:10pm. Reserves at 11:15am.
TICKETS: Tickets available at gate: Adult $14, Concession $8, Children U18 Free.
RADIO: Life FM 107.9
LAST FIVE TIMES
2015, Semi-Final: Central District 10.14 (74) def Port Adelaide 11.3 (69) at Adelaide Oval.
2015, Round 16: Port Adelaide 12.7 (79) def Central District 9.8 (62) at Alberton Oval.
2015, Round 9: Port Adelaide 13.7 (85) def Central District 11.11 (77) at Elizabeth Oval.
2014, Round 16: Central District 16.8 (104) def Port Adelaide 15.11 (101) at Elizabeth Oval.
2014, Round 9: Port Adelaide 14.7 (91) def Central District 12.6 (78) at Alberton Oval.
THE SIX POINTS
1. In recent years games between these sides have been close affairs. The past five meetings have all been decided by less than three goals, Port narrowly ahead with three wins.
2. With the AFL side a chance to shake things up, some of the big performers from the opening rounds of the SANFL season may earn a call-up to the big league. John Butcher has kicked eight goals in three SANFL games.
3. Despite some outs, including the suspended Kane Mitchell, some big names are returning this week with Tom Clurey and Billy Frampton both cleared of their foot injuries. Nathan Krakouer will face a final fitness test this week and could also play for the first time in 2016.
4. Like the Magpies, Central has had a quiet start to the year, sitting on one win and two losses. After a 107-point win over North Adelaide in the opening round they’ve fallen to Sturt and South Adelaide.
5. Against South Adelaide in Round 4, the Bulldogs had more scoring shots and inside 50s but couldn't take advantage of them, falling by 31 points. Port will need to be wary of a fired up offence from the back of that performance.
6. Time will tell whether the bye came at a good time or halted some good form, but either way there will be no excuses for a lack of effort with most of the squad having a fortnight between games.
FINAL WORD
On the back of his first win as Magpies coach, Chad Cornes highlighted the improved goal kicking from his side, but is still searching for a four-quarter effort. Expect an emphasis on team footy as he tries to string together two wins on the trot.
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