RUCKMAN Dean Brogan says Saturday night's clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba will be Port Adelaide's 'grand final'.
The Power have had numerous opportunities to secure a top-eight berth over the past month, but their inconsistent form has kept them in ninth place with just two games to play.
Essendon's victory over St Kilda on Sunday earned eighth spot while the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn are on the Power's tail.
Port Adelaide has managed only one win away from AAMI Stadium this season, against Hawthorn in round four, but Brogan said he was confident the team could reverse that poor record this week.
"This is like a grand final for us. The last few weeks have [been like finals] and we haven't delivered so this week is a massive game for us," Brogan said on Wednesday.
"We haven't won away from home for a long time so it's just perceived pressure. We travel every second week so you've got to get used to it.
"We have been a great away road team in the past but for whatever reason it just hasn't happened for us on the road … but it's not over yet."
The Power trained at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's trip to Brisbane.
Forward Daniel Motlop completed the session and is expected to play his first game since fracturing his ankle against the Western Bulldogs in round 12.
Justin Westhoff rolled his ankle at training, but should be available for selection along with Jacob Surjan (hip) and Jason Davenport (adductor).
Port Adelaide belted the Lions by 48 points just last month, but Brogan said he expected a more fired-up opposition this time around.
"We beat them pretty good five or six weeks ago. We did really well at the clearances, we did a good job on Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, so we'll be looking to emulate that again," he said.
"But they are a pretty smart team and Vossy (Michael Voss) is a great coach so they'll come to try and shut us down in those [clearances] areas. We just need to bring a four-quarter effort."
On Monday, Brogan was criticised for 'picking on a teenager' in his duel with 20-year-old Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer last weekend.
Brogan laughed off the comments and said he would continue to play an aggressive brand of footy.
"I heard those comments through the week … I'll grab the footy record before I run out and make sure I don't pick on any teenagers," Brogan said.
"That's footy, mate. That's the way I play and if people don't like it then so be it."
