Clubland
Port Adelaide has lost Brad Ebert to injury, Nathan Krakouer for family reasons and omitted Cameron O’Shea. Into the side comes Paul Stewart, Sam Gray and Brendon Ah Chee.
North Melbourne has been boosted by the return of Nick Dal Santo, Daniel Wells and Jarrod Waite.
Last Time
The Power won a thriller against North Melbourne when a lethal handball from Brendon Ah Chee found its way to Aaron Young and a late goal to Kane Mitchell iced the game.
Port doesn’t often beat the Kangaroos, but its recent form – winning two of the last five contests between them, is encouraging.
Opportunity knocks
Stewart, Gray and Ah Chee played well in the SANFL last week and have a chance to reclaim their positions with good performances on Saturday afternoon. Port is poised to return a glut of players in the next week – Matt Lobbe, Matt White and Brad Ebert to name a few - so the competition for places in the Power’s line-up will be fierce.
On the line
North Melbourne’s form has waned in recent weeks, while the Power have battled consistency demons. This will be a closely watched game for what is on the line. The Roos are fighting for a place in the top eight, while Port is battling to break into the upper echelon of the ladder. A Power win is worth plenty – gaining them four points while depriving North of a safety blanket.
Final word
Expect both teams to fight to the death with so much riding on the result of this game.
Afterwords
Jake Neade will play his 50th AFL game against North Melbourne.
