SUMMARY
Port Adelaide's performances over the past fortnight have suggested they're building towards their best form, but sloppy patches show they've still got some work to do. Some of the side's biggest stars hit form last week against the Western Bulldogs, with Ollie Wines, Chad Wingard, Travis Boak and Brad Ebert all dominating. Geelong smashed Essendon last weekend but its form has proven inconsistent; the Cats have only won consecutive games once this year – back in rounds five and six against Richmond and Collingwood. With both teams desperate to climb into the top eight, this shapes as a Friday night classic.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Friday June 12, 7.20pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2014, Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) d Geelong 9.13 (67) at Adelaide Oval
2SF, 2013, Geelong 13.18 (96) d Port Adelaide 12.8 (80) at the MCG
R20, 2013, Geelong 20.9 (129) d Port Adelaide 16.9 (104) at Simonds Stadium
R9, 2013, Geelong 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 9.14 (68) at AAMI Stadium
R14, 2012, Geelong 14.15 (99) d Port Adelaide 8.13 (61) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Travis Boak was the difference between the sides in their round six clash last year, the Port skipper starring with 32 possessions and two goals. Kane Cornes had 33 touches and Chad Wingard kicked three goals. Mitch Duncan was the Cats' best with 27 possessions.
2. Geelong is the League's worst clearance team in 2015, averaging only 33.2 a game despite Joel Selwood being ranked fourth in the competition. Port Adelaide is ranked fourth, averaging 42 a game.
3. The Power's win in 2014 ended a club-record 10 consecutive defeats against Geelong; prior to last season they hadn’t won since round 21, 2007 at Simonds Stadium. They haven’t won two in a row against the Cats since 2001-02.
4. Geelong is the worst team in the League in 2015 for contested possessions, averaging 127.7 a game, while the Power have done slightly better, ranked equal 11th with 136.3 a game.
5. The Cats have been inconsistent of late; since round six they’ve won three of five games with an average winning margin of 62 points and an average losing margin of 50 points.
6. Geelong skipper Selwood has pushed up into third in the Official AFL Player Ratings, while Robbie Gray is also on the move up into eighth.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Travis Boak
The Power's skipper was a match-winner the last time these sides met and enters Friday night's clash in terrific form. He was one of Port's best last weekend, winning 22 disposals, eight clearances and kicking a goal. Boak will need to lead from the front again if his side is to succeed.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 22 points.
