Watch the highlights from the last time Port Adelaide played the Eagles on PTV above. Can't view the video? Watch on YouTube.
The Teams
Port Adelaide
Form: W L L L L L L W W W L L L L L W L L L
Ranked: 14th
West Coast
Form: W W W W W W L W W L W L W W L L W L W
Ranked: 5th
Keys to victory
West Coast is a powerful forward side and their tall rucks Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui are capable of punishing teams in the ruck and up forward.
Looking for the confidence bestowed by victory, the Power pushed premiership favourites Hawthorn last week - hard - and a boilover promised early in the final term before the Hawks proceeded to kick eleven goals to Port’s two.
For interim Power coach Garry Hocking and his charges, the key to victory against the Eagles should be as simple as bringing the same early game intensity that it challenged Hawthorn with last week and the resilience to run out the match on home turf.
Footy is never simple however and tactics will play a big part in the prospects for two sides challenged by injuries. Ruckman Matthew Lobbe is likely to be supported by another youngster in Jarrad Redden against West Coast’s big guns - a massive task for the pair who have just 28 games experience between them.
In attack Justin Westhoff needs to step up in the way he did against Hawthorn with accuracy in front of goal as the running half forward important to the Port Adelaide artillery.
The Power’s backline has taken a hit with Troy Chaplin out for the season but the return of Alipate Carlile will provide Port will a core shutdown defender as replacement. He and fellow defenders in Jackson Trengove and Nathan Blee need to step up against the dangerous Eagles Cox, Jack Darling and Quinten Lynch.
It all comes back to intensity around the ground and if the 22 men who run out on Sunday come with the determination to push the Eagles to the brink in every contest, they will give themselves the best fighting chance at victory.
Read more: Selection
Selection table
Five players have been brought into the initial squad for the Power with Carlile and first round draft pick Chad Wingard headlining.
Wingard withdrew from selection consideration after pulling up with glute soreness during the week prior to round 20 and his return should provide the Power with spark through centre wing and at deep forward.
Joining them will be youngsters Aaron Young and Tom Jonas who have made the most of their opportunities this year as emerging players.
Young particularly may play the full game having served the substitute role for much of the last month while Jonas provides the Power with a larger physical presence in defence.
Daniel Stewart has been named in the side having been omitted just before the Hawthorn game in a tactical swap and he provides another large body in the forward lines who can rotate with the rucks.
Read more: Dalzeill selected for Eagles
Forming up
Brad Ebert
Read more: Dalzeill selected for Eagles
Forming up
Brad Ebert
Ebert featured prominently along with Travis Boak against the Hawks and comes up against his old side this weekend. His influence in the middle will be important as he pushes his best and fairest contending form through the final three rounds of 2012. Importantly, Ebert is a club leader in many stats - second in disposals, first in tackles, sixth in goals scored, and top in Dream Team points. It goes to show his ability to not only win the ball but also impose defensive pressure all over the ground.
Jarrad Redden
Redden has returned to the Port Adelaide side as a number two ruckman assisting Matt Lobbe. Redden has been eased through his first playing season but his potential is obvious, his capability in the ruck proven and his defensive game continually developing. That potential will be tested against Naitanui and Cox if selected in the final squad on Friday afternoon.
Jay Schulz
Schulz kicked four goals last weekend in a strong return to form. In just his second game back from a severe abdominal injury, Schulz provided his usual strong marking presence up forward and converted 4-1 against the Hawks. Another big game beckons for the Power’s leading goal kicker.
Fact file
One of Port Adelaide’s better home records is against West Coast, having won 9 out of 11 games played at AAMI Stadium.
The ledger
Played: 23. Port Adelaide: 15, West Coast: 8
The last time
Round 11 2011, Patersons Stadium - Port Adelaide 13.10 (88) def by West Coast 15.20 (110)
Match details
Port Adelaide v West Coast Eagles
AAMI Stadium, West Lakes SA
Sunday 19 August 2012
Opening bounce: 12.40pm (CST)
Game Day and Broadcast guide
Match centre
Final word
Port is better placed to push the Eagles than the Hawks. Both clubs are challenged by injuries and the Power is determined to finish the year on the high. A quick, sustained start is imperative.
Jarrad Redden
Redden has returned to the Port Adelaide side as a number two ruckman assisting Matt Lobbe. Redden has been eased through his first playing season but his potential is obvious, his capability in the ruck proven and his defensive game continually developing. That potential will be tested against Naitanui and Cox if selected in the final squad on Friday afternoon.
Jay Schulz
Schulz kicked four goals last weekend in a strong return to form. In just his second game back from a severe abdominal injury, Schulz provided his usual strong marking presence up forward and converted 4-1 against the Hawks. Another big game beckons for the Power’s leading goal kicker.
Fact file
One of Port Adelaide’s better home records is against West Coast, having won 9 out of 11 games played at AAMI Stadium.
The ledger
Played: 23. Port Adelaide: 15, West Coast: 8
The last time
Round 11 2011, Patersons Stadium - Port Adelaide 13.10 (88) def by West Coast 15.20 (110)
Match details
Port Adelaide v West Coast Eagles
AAMI Stadium, West Lakes SA
Sunday 19 August 2012
Opening bounce: 12.40pm (CST)
Game Day and Broadcast guide
Match centre
Final word
Port is better placed to push the Eagles than the Hawks. Both clubs are challenged by injuries and the Power is determined to finish the year on the high. A quick, sustained start is imperative.
