SUMMARY
For the first time since 2007, only one club remains unbeaten after three rounds and it is Port Adelaide, who overcame a determined Brisbane outfit last week at Adelaide Oval. It followed impressive victories over Fremantle and Sydney for the new-look Port line-up, which loaded up on recruits during last year's trade period for a genuine tilt at the premiership. Essendon did the same, but has not started its campaign in the type of form Port has shown. The Bombers were dreadful against the Western Bulldogs last week and lucky to have not lost by more than 21 points. But they will face a week of discussion on their form and finals prospects, and often play better when they are not expected to win. For that reason, Port will be wary of Essendon's best form, despite it not being evident so far in 2018.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 15, 1.10pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2017, Essendon 19.17 (131) d Port Adelaide 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2016, Port Adelaide 17.10 (112) d Essendon 7.9 (51) at Adelaide Oval
R17, 2015, Port Adelaide 20.9 (129) d Essendon 17.14 (116) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2014, Essendon 8.14 (62) d Port Adelaide 7.18 (60) at Adelaide Oval
R15, 2013, Essendon 18.10 (118) d Port Adelaide 12.16 (88) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Essendon had the game won by half-time when the teams played in 2017, kicking 12 goals to four to lead by 52 points. Cale Hooker kicked a career-high five goals and Joe Daniher finished with four.
2. The Bombers are struggling defensively so far in 2018. They have the sixth worst defence in the competition, conceding on average 99 points a game. The Power have the third best defence, giving up only 74 points a game.
3. Port Adelaide and Essendon meet for the 29th time and the Power holds the advantage, winning 16 games to 12. Since 2013 the Bombers have been narrowly better, winning three games to two.
4. Look for Port to have a big advantage at the stoppages. The Power are ranked sixth in the AFL for clearances (an average of 41 a game) so far this season, while the Bombers have battled in that area, being second last at an average of 29.7 a game.
5. Essendon has dominated Port Adelaide recently at Etihad Stadium, winning four of the past five contests between the sides at the venue.
6. Port Adelaide gun Robbie Gray is now ranked the eighth best player in the competition, according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett, who made last year's All Australian side, has had a slow start to the season and been the target of plenty of opposition attention. Can he break the tag this week to get back to his damaging best for the Bombers?
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 29 points
