SUMMARY
Carlton will hope to honour Kade Simpson's 300th game with victory on Saturday, but faces a difficult task against a Port Adelaide outfit gunning for a spot in the top four. The Blues produced an improved performance against the Pies last week, having played the majority of the match with just two players on the bench due to injury. Charlie Curnow was outstanding, while Patrick Cripps again led from the front as stand-in skipper. However, the prospect of an in-form Power side at the MCG is just as daunting. Port Adelaide provided a glimpse of its finals credentials with a hard-fought win over Melbourne last week, having surged into the lead late in the game. Robbie Gray looked dangerous and has an imposing record against the Blues, kicking five goals from 22 disposals the last time they met.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday June 30, 1.45pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
THE LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2017: Port Adelaide 20.17 (137) d Carlton 6.11 (47) at the Adelaide Oval
R8, 2016: Carlton 14.9 (93) d Port Adelaide 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2015: Carlton 17.8 (110) d Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at the MCG
R22, 2014: Port Adelaide 20.20 (140) d Carlton 5.7 (37) at the Adelaide Oval
R1, 2014: Port Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Carlton 12.15 (87) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide thrashed Carlton all over the ground when they last met in 2017, winning 84 more disposals, 30 more tackles and 33 more inside 50s.
2. The Power are the No.1 clearance team this season, averaging 42.2 per game. It should be an advantage over the Blues who have struggled in clearances, ranked equal 13th with an average of 36.
3. Not much separates the sides recently, with four wins to three in Carlton’s favour since 2013. Four of those seven games have been decided by three goals or less.
4. The teams have played at the MCG only twice previously for one win each. Port Adelaide won by 14 points in 2005 and Carlton won a thriller by four points in 2015.
5. Carlton continues to struggle to score and is ranked last, averaging just 62 points per game. The Blues have now failed to reach 100 points in 46 consecutive games.
6. Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps was round 14's best player, according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings. His game, which featured 29 disposals, nine tackles and three goals, registered 26.6 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR ...
Carlton stalwart Kade Simpson is set to become just the fifth Blues player to register 300 games this weekend, joining Craig Bradley, Bruce Doull, John Nicholls and Stephen Silvagni in an illustrious group. At 34, Simpson remains one of Carlton's most important players, with the veteran's run and bravery off half-back still as pivotal as ever.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 28 points
