Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday August 17, 7.25pm AEST 

TV, radio and online: Click here for the broadcast guide

What it means for North Melbourne: This match can't come soon enough for the Roos, who posted their lowest-ever score in last week's 55-point thumping to Geelong. Finals are no longer on the radar, so coach Rhyce Shaw will just be looking for an improved performance to restore pride.

What it means for Port Adelaide: Another chance to shed its reputation as the AFL's Jekyll and Hyde side. Adelaide and Essendon's respective form slumps have coincided with a Power surge that has it in a strong position to return to the finals. Ken Hinkley's men need to keep winning.

The stat: Port Adelaide hasn't lost to North Melbourne since 2014, winning all five clashes – three of them at Marvel Stadium – since then by an average margin of 31 points.

The match-up: Todd Goldstein v Peter Ladhams

Ladhams' (ranked 584th in the AFL Player Ratings) development throughout the year, first in the SANFL and now in Port's senior side, earned him a new three-year contract and even interest from the Roos. This is Goldstein's (rated eighth) chance to show North made the right call to stick with him.

Peter Ladhams is growing in stature by the week. Picture: AFL Photos

It's a big week for: Jared Polec

Polec was no lone ranger as an underwhelming performer in last week's big loss to Geelong, but he has more responsibility than most. Some of his kicking – typically a strength – was subpar and his contest work was questionable at times.

Big call: Xavier Duursma whips out his bow and arrow three times as the Power as good as clinch a finals berth.

Prediction: Port Adelaide by 19 points