This week portadelaidefc.com.au looks at the most dangerous forces across both sides, as the Power prepare to clash with the Dockers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Chad Wingard
Wingard has had a standout year as an exciting forward, producing consistent, career-best performances throughout the season.
A magician in front of goal, Wingard currently sits fifth in the league for scoreboard impact, with 53.27 to his own name plus 18.7 in scores assists – 460 points in total. He’s lead only by Josh Kennedy, Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts and Jeremy Cameron for that stat.
The small forward has developed his impact in the midfield this season, nearly doubling his attendance at the centre bounce and clearances compared with last year.
In his last five games against Fremantle, Wingard averaged 18 disposals and three goals, kicking a whopping four straight against them in last year’s final.
WINGARD: All Australian contention
An untrialled Fremantle side lead by Neale
After making 11 changes to their side including three debutants, the Dockers have had a major shakeup across the field ahead of Saturday’s clash.
With an average age of 23.7 compared with Port’s 24.9, the younger team will have no representation from their leadership group as they hit the Adelaide Oval turf.
But that certainly doesn’t mean they won’t be hungry to make an impact.
With top-side spots on the line going into the finals, Freo’s youngsters will be hunting a win and looking for a tough contest.
With 67 games under his belt, the team will be looking to the future talent of Lachie Neale to provide a spark from the middle.
In his last five games against Port Adelaide, Neale averaged 29 disposals and five clearances while gaining 329m against the opposition.
A tough ‘in and under’ player, Neale does his best work in the stoppage at ground level, averaging 11 ground ball gets per game against the Power.
Jack Hombsch
With an outstanding year as one of Port Adelaide’s most consistent and reliable players, Hombsch is a lynchpin in the Power’s defensive six.
He’s been under enormous pressure at times, with other key defenders Jackson Trengove and Alipate Carlile out with injury for good chunks of the season, and the Power conceding large numbers of opposition inside 50s.
Ken Hinkley has relied on him to take on big roles this year, and he’s performed accordingly with the composure and maturity of a long-term player. Sometimes you forget he’s only 22 years old!
He’s a neat kick of the ball with 80 per cent efficiency, hard at ground level with 60 tackles for the year and incredibly strong overhead, with 4.5 marks per game on average – making him a headache for the Dockers’ forwards this weekend.
The All-Australian 22under22 selection will be looking to finish off a standout year strongly on Saturday.
Five reasons why you’ll never underrate Hombsch again
