SUMMARY
It's impossible to know which Port Adelaide side will show up. Will it be the one that was absolutely destroyed at the contest and utterly embarrassed at the SCG last weekend? Or will it be the one that did the same to the Brisbane Lions the previous week? Skill errors cost the Power dearly and they'll need to wipe them out of their game if they're any chance of beating an improving Melbourne outfit. The Demons were superb in knocking off defending premiers Hawthorn last week. Their run and carry off half-back and willingness to take the game on at all costs is exciting to watch and shows promising signs for the future. Even though finals aren't in the equation for either side, there's still plenty to play for as both teams build for next season.
Robbie Gray will be desperate to bounce back after last week's poor game. Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, 7.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2016, Port Adelaide 18.13 (121) d Melbourne 10.16 (76) at TIO Traeger Park
R9, 2015, Port Adelaide 18.7 (115) d Melbourne 8.6 (54) at TIO Traeger Park
R18, 2014, Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) d Melbourne 10.9 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R11, 2014, Port Adelaide 14.11 (95) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Traeger Park
R1, 2013, Port Adelaide 19.19 (133) d Melbourne 8.6 (54) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Power forward Charlie Dixon booted five goals and Robbie Gray had 38 disposals in their side's round 10 win in Alice Springs, while Jesse Hogan kicked 3.4 and took 11 marks for the Demons.
2. Contested marking has been a poor area for the Power this season, ranked 17th and averaging only 10 per game. Melbourne has been better, ranked equal 11th at 10.9 per game.
3. Port Adelaide has dominated Melbourne recently, winning the past seven matches. The last win for the Demons came in round 17, 2011.
4. Both sides have been strong contested possession teams this year. The Demons are fourth with 150.4 per game ahead of the Power, who are ranked fifth with 148.6 per game.
5. The Demons are a high handballing side, ranked second in the competition averaging 201.9 per game. The Power are 12th with 160.9 per game.
6. Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn continues to soar up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Gawn is a career-high 17th in the competition after starting the year ranked 319th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Robbie Gray.
The Power superstar was kept to a season-low seven possessions in last weekend's 67-point loss to the Sydney Swans. The two-time All Australian and best and fairest winner needs to find plenty of the ball to spark the Power into action.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 10 points
