SUMMARY
Thursday night football returns for the first time since round two when the Power aim to consolidate their position in the top eight. The eighth-placed Power (7-4) have won three of their past four games, including a last-start victory over reigning premier Richmond, but are coming off a six-day break. In contrast, the out-of-form but well-rested Bulldogs (4-7), will be hoping the bye helps them end a three-game losing streak. Tory Dickson's hamstring injury is a blow to a Bulldogs' forward line that has struggled to hit the scoreboard. Port's All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder, who continues to manage an Achilles injury, should dominate the Bulldogs' tandem of Tom Boyd and Jordan Roughead, while prolific ball winner Jack Macrae will need assistance to help tame Ollie Wines, a resurgent Chad Wingard and Sam Powell-Pepper. The Power set a high standard for themselves with last week's victory over the Tigers. The key now is to back it up in a game they're expected to win.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Thursday, June 3, 7.20pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2017, Port Adelaide 14.12 (96) d Western Bulldogs 11.13 (79) at Mars Stadium
R12, 2016, Western Bulldogs 15.10 (100) d Port Adelaide 14.13 (97) at Adelaide Oval
R19, 2015, Western Bulldogs 19.14 (128) d Port Adelaide 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2014, Port Adelaide 19.14 (128) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval
R10, 2013, Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) d Port Adelaide 8.10 (58) at TIO Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. With their finals hopes in the balance, the Power booted six goals to two in the fourth quarter to overrun the Bulldogs in their round 22 clash last year. The Power took 43 more marks and won the inside 50s 61-50.
2. This is on track to be a low-scoring contest. The Power is ranked 13th in scoring, averaging 82 points per game, while the Bulldogs are 16th with just 68 points per game. In their last three games, the Dogs have kicked two (albeit on a wet night in Adelaide against the Crows), eight and seven goals respectively.
3. Nothing separates the two clubs since 2013, with three wins each. Prior to that, the Bulldogs won seven straight games from 2007-13.
4. The Power have a clear edge on the Bulldogs in clearances. The Power are ranked first in the competition for clearances with 41.9 per game, ahead of the eighth-ranked Bulldogs (37.7). The Power are also second in the League for centre clearances.
5. Adelaide Oval hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Bulldogs, having won just once in their five trips to the venue. The Power hold a 2-1 margin over the 'Dogs at Adelaide Oval.
6. Second-year Power midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper continues to rocket up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Powell-Pepper has improved more than 100 spots this season, going from 356th to 255th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
There will be mixed emotions for Bulldogs swingman Jackson Trengove when he lines up against his former club for the first time. Trengove played 153 games for the Power across eight seasons and was a joint winner of the club's best and fairest in 2011, before joining the Bulldogs at the end of last year for more opportunities. He could get the key defensive job on Power spearhead Charlie Dixon.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 28 points
