SUMMARY
Port Adelaide has quietly put together an impressive start to the season, but leaving the Gabba with the four premiership points will be no easy task. Although the Brisbane Lions have a 1-4 win-loss record, they've shown a heap of improvement on 2016, most recently pushing the premier Western Bulldogs to the brink before fading in the final 10 minutes. A fit Dayne Beams and rejuvenated Tom Rockliff are leading a hungry midfield, while Harris Andrews and NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Eric Hipwood have made big strides in the key position posts. But the Power will rightfully start favourites and have also made a big leap from last season. Their midfield is deep and the run from defensive 50 is hard to counter. Ken Hinkley's men are 3-2, and even without injured skipper Travis Boak, should solidify their spot in the eight with a tight win over the Lions.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, April 29, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2016, Port Adelaide 25.23 (173) d Brisbane Lions 11.13 (79) at the Gabba
R7, 2016, Port Adelaide 21.10 (136) d Brisbane Lions 7.17 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R7, 2015, Brisbane Lions 15.12 (102) d Port Adelaide 8.17 (65) at the Gabba
R4, 2014, Port Adelaide 24.15 (159) d Brisbane Lions 7.4 (46) at Adelaide Oval
R18, 2013, Port Adelaide 9.17 (71) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Following a close first quarter last time they played, the Power thrashed the Lions by 94 points. Chad Wingard booted five goals, John Butcher four and Ollie Wines collected the three Brownlow votes with 32 disposals.
2. It will be a contest between the best and worst teams this season for inside 50s. The Power is ranked first, averaging 61, compared to the Lions, ranked last with an average of 47.6.
3. Nothing separates the two clubs in head-to-head matches, deadlocked at 15 wins apiece, with two draws. The Power has won four of the past five, including the past two by a combined 171 points. The Lions have a nine wins to five edge at the Gabba, though.
4. The Lions have been one of the most accurate teams in front of goal this season, kicking 62.43 at 54.4 per cent. Port Adelaide has also been good, with 82.64 at 52.6 per cent.
5. Despite their 1-4 start the Lions have improved from 2016, where they averaged 80 points a game while conceding 130. This season it is 83 and 111 points respectively.
6. Tom Rockliff has had a blistering start to the season, rising from 91st to 36th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Rockliff is averaging 31 disposals (16 contested) and 10 clearances, which leads the AFL.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jared Polec
The former Brisbane Lion makes his second trip back to the Gabba after leaving the club following the 2013 season. Polec has a strong start to the season and is fresh off his best performance of 2017 against Carlton, where he collected 25 disposals and kicked two goals.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 18 points
