SUMMARY
A lot has changed since Port Adelaide’s last visit to the MCG and the Power return today desperately needing a win to stay in touch with the top eight. The Power came so close to a Grand Final berth in the loss to eventual premier Hawthorn in last year’s pulsating preliminary final, but they have struggled to replicate that this season as opposition teams have stymied their free-flowing, attacking style. In John Barker’s two games as interim coach the Blues have been far more competitive and came close to pulling off a major upset over the Crows in their last game before the bye.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, June 20, 1.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2014, Port Adelaide 20.20 (140) d Carlton 5.7 (37) at Adelaide Oval
R1, 2014, Port Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Carlton 12.15 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2013, Carlton 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 15.13 (103) at AAMI Stadium
R8, 2013, Carlton 16.13 (109) d Port Adelaide 14.7 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2012, Port Adelaide 14.15 (99) d Carlton 6.9 (45) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Power dominated the Blues last time these clubs met. Port had 104 more disposals (398-294), 31 more marks (112-81), 28 more scoring shots (40-12) and 30 more inside 50s (67-37).
2. Despite their disappointing season the Blues are the No. 1 ranked centre clearance team, averaging 15 a game. The Power are 11th with 12.1.
3. Carlton is the lowest-ranked team for tackles this season, averaging only 54.5 a game. The Power are second with 74.5.
4. The Blues and Power meet at the MCG for only the second time. The only previous encounter was in round 19, 2005, when Port Adelaide won by 14 points. This is the Power’s only MCG game this season unless they play a final.
5. Port Adelaide has struggled to score this season, averaging only 81 points a game compared to 100 points last year.
6. Despite its inconsistent form in 2015 Port Adelaide still has four players in the top 40 players of the Official AFL Player Ratings – Robbie Gray (No.8), skipper Travis Boak (No.12), Hamish Hartlett (No.30) and Chad Wingard (No.40). Carlton has only one – captain Marc Murphy at No.24.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jasper Pittard. The injuries to Jared Polec and Matt White are likely to force coach Ken Hinkley to use the running half-back in a different role further up the ground. His effectiveness could be crucial to the outcome of what is likely to be a free-flowing contest.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 2 points.
