SUMMARY
The Power will be favoured to go 3-0 for the first time since 2013 when they host an improving Lions outfit. Ken Hinkley's men put the footy world on notice with a brilliant second-half performance last Sunday to stun Sydney at the SCG for the second year in a row. Ollie Wines and Sam Powell-Pepper set the tone in the midfield, Charlie Dixon admirably filled in for Paddy Ryder in the ruck, and evergreen utility Justin Westhoff was everywhere. The Power's youngsters are developing nicely, and their experienced recruits are playing their roles. The Lions won't be a pushover if their gallant performance last Saturday against Melbourne is any indication. Chris Fagan is seeing positive signs from his rebuilding side, but the next step in their evolution is finishing off the job. A historic win at Adelaide Oval – the Lions' first in six attempts – against a premiership contender would certainly be a feather in their cap.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, April 7, 1.15pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2017: Port Adelaide 18.13 (121) d Brisbane 12.9 (81) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2017: Port Adelaide 22.18 (150) d Brisbane 10.7 (67) at the Gabba
R19, 2016: Port Adelaide 25.23 (173) d Brisbane 11.13 (79) at the Gabba
R7, 2016: Port Adelaide 21.10 (136) d Brisbane 7.17 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R7, 2015: Brisbane 15.12 (102) d Port Adelaide 8.17 (65) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Power's attack tore the Lions to shreds last year in their two wins, booting a combined 40 goals to 22. Charlie Dixon kicked five goals in the opening game, while Ollie Wines dominated the return fixture with 29 disposals and two goals.
2. Clearance work has been a feature of both sides in the opening two games of this season. The Power are ranked third, averaging 45.5 per game, while the Lions aren't far behind with 44.5 per game. The Lions have the edge in centre clearances – 13.5 to 12.5.
3. Port Adelaide has won its past four games against the Lions, and six of its past seven. Four of those wins have been by more than 70 points.
4. Winning uncontested possessions has been a strength of the Power this year, ranked fourth in the League with 251 per game. The Lions are 13th with 208 per game.
5. Adelaide Oval is a graveyard for the Lions, who have yet to record a win in their five visits to the venue. Their average losing margin is a mammoth 91 points, conceding an average of 144 points per game.
6. Power midfield bull Ollie Wines has risen to a career-high 29th in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Power vice-captain will be the third highest-ranked player on the ground behind Lions star Dayne Zorko (seventh) and Power forward Robbie Gray (ninth).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Former Brisbane Lions skipper Tom Rockliff faces his old side for the first time since joining the Power on a four-year deal. Rockliff has had a slow start at his new club, averaging 10.5 possessions in two games, but you just know the 28-year-old is building up towards a big performance. This is the perfect time to do it.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 38 points.
