SUMMARY
It's weird to think a team sitting fourth on the ladder needs to prove itself as a premiership contender, but that's the case with Port Adelaide. The Power (8-5, 135.4 per cent) are starting to earn a reputation as flat-track bullies having lost all four of their games against top-eight teams this season. That's why Saturday night's clash with the Tigers (sixth; 8-5, 111.7 per cent) is important. On the back of a dynamic five-goal performance from Robbie Gray, the Power cruised past Collingwood on the road last weekend. Consistency hasn't been the Power's strong suit – a win over the Tigers would be the first time they've won three in a row since round 20-23, 2015. The Tigers did just enough to dispose of Carlton last weekend. They've also won three out of their past four, but need a big scalp to continue their momentum.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, July 1, 7.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2016, Port Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Richmond 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2016, Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) d Richmond 8.11 (59) at the MCG
R8, 2015, Richmond 11.10 (76) d Port Adelaide 5.13 (43) at Adelaide Oval
1EF, 2014, Port Adelaide 20.12 (132) d Richmond 11.9 (75) at Adelaide Oval
R17, 2014, Richmond 19.12 (126) d Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond had more disposals (370 to 347), took more marks (87 to 56) and had 54 more uncontested possessions, but still lost to Port Adelaide the last time they met. The difference for the Power was their domination of the inside 50s (68 to 51) and clearances (52 to 33).
2. Both teams have been strong taking the ball inside 50 this season. The Power are ranked first with 61.1 per game and the Tigers are third at an average of 57.3.
3. The Power has held the upper hand on the Tigers, winning 17 games to 10, along with one draw. But since 2013, the ledger is even at three wins each.
4. This will be a contest between the two best defences this season. The Power are first, conceding only 77 points per game, just ahead of the Tigers, giving up an average of 78 points.
5. Richmond has already travelled to Adelaide Oval once this season, thrashed by the Crows in round six. Port Adelaide has won four of their six games at home in 2017.
6. Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has moved to a career-high seventh overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. However, Martin won't be the highest-ranked player on the ground – that honour belongs to Power midfielder, turned small forward, Robbie Gray, who is fifth.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Jonas
The Power defender has been in superb form this season, whether it's shutting down a key forward or playing on midfielders resting in attack. He'll probably shadow Dustin Martin when he is lurking up forward, but will also be considered for the job on Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt.
PREDICTION: Richmond by eight points
