SUMMARY
Port Adelaide and Essendon are coming off completely different weeks. The Bombers had a brilliant victory against Melbourne, after some pundits had tipped the red and black to go winless throughout 2016. For Port, it was an embarrassing 58-point defeat to crosstown rivals Adelaide. The Power had set themselves to rebound from a disaster 2015 when they didn't make finals, but the performance against the Crows has many people questioning whether Ken Hinkley's men are good enough. Essendon, on the other hand, won't be satisfied with just one win and will be looking to build on last week's breakthrough. Joe Daniher was terrific against the Demons and if he can repeat his performance, the Bombers will be dangerous. Port will be looking for Charlie Dixon to stand up in attack and assert himself on the game.
Port captain Travis Boak needs to lift after two modest games. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Friday, April 8, 7.20pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R16, 2012, Essendon 19.13 (127) d Port Adelaide 11.11 (77) at AAMI Stadium
R2, 2012, Essendon 16.15 (111) d Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite losing against Port Adelaide in 2015, Essendon had 95 more disposals, 30 more marks, two more scoring shots and only one less inside 50. Travis Boak was best on ground with 28 disposals and two goals.
2. In their round two win over Melbourne, the Bombers had 128 more disposals, 71 more marks, eight more scoring shots and 15 more inside 50s.
3. Port Adelaide and Essendon meet for the 27th time. The Power hold the advantage, winning 15 games to 11. Port's win in 2015 was its first against the Bombers since round seven, 2010.
4. The Power was smashed by the Crows in two major categories in last week's Showdown: disposals (324-412) and marks (44-109), but somehow had 15 more inside 50s and only three less scoring shots.
5. One thing in Essendon’s favour is its recent history in Adelaide, winning four of its last five games, including its only game at Adelaide Oval.
6. Robbie Gray is the highest ranked Port Adelaide player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, coming in at No.5. Brendon Goddard is Essendon's best (not including banned players), at No.65.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Travis Boak. After a quiet first couple of weeks, with a combined 40 disposals against St Kilda and Adelaide, Boak's form has come under the microscope. The Port Adelaide skipper is a proud man and will want to rebound against the Bombers.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 27 points
