When the Giants start well, they push teams all the way. In games GWS have been within 10 points (or leading) at quarter time, they’ve been no further than four goals behind at three quarter time – including against Geelong last week, when they trailed by just 12 points at three-quarter time.
It’s no secret the Power have started games slowly in 2013 - winning just three of ten first quarters this year – which makes the first quarter on Sunday all the more important.
In the Power’s favour, however, is the final quarter. GWS have managed just five goals in the final quarters of their previous five games, while the Power have booted more than five goals in a final quarter on six occasions this year.
2. Redemption at Skoda
The Power’s horror day at Skoda Stadium in 2012 will be burning in the guts of many at Alberton desperate for redemption for last year’s loss. The loss resulted in coach Matthew Primus’ departure from Alberton and several changes to playing personnel the following week.
While Port Adelaide got one back in Round 2 as the club honoured John McCarthy, there is no doubt the Power would love to get a win on GWS soil to bury the demons of the 2012 loss.
3. Clearance kings
Despite a 56-point win over the Giants in Round 2, Ken Hinkley labelled the Power’s clearance work on the night as “awful”. GWS won the clearance count 38-25 and restricted Travis Boak to a season low two clearances. Stopping the likes of Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel, Toby Greene and Stephen Coniglio, plus giving Travis Boak the support he needs at stoppages will go a long way to the Power winning the midfield.
4. Doing it for Kane
Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes will break Warren Tredrea’s club AFL games record mark this Sunday, playing his 256th game in Power colours. The players know the importance of respecting a champion of the club and will be desperate to get the win for Cornes.
Cornes’ milestone games have been relatively successful, winning in his 50th, 150th and 250th games – the latter a famous comeback in Round 5 this year. Only the Bulldogs have spoiled Kane’s parties, defeating the Power in his 100th and 200th games.
