SUMMARY
Port Adelaide managed to work itself back onto the winner's list last weekend after an early scare against Melbourne, and the Western Bulldogs will also enter this game on the back of success. The Bulldogs' previous three weeks had seen them slip after a brilliant start to the year so coach Luke Beveridge would hope the win against Greater Western Sydney was enough to correct his side's path. Last week the Power were finally able to play the style of football they'd been searching for, but Saturday night will determine whether last year's preliminary finalists are indeed 'back'.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday June 6, 7.10pm
(local)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2014, Port Adelaide 19.14 (128) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval
R10, 2013, Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) d Port Adelaide 8.10 (58) at TIO Stadium
R12, 2012, Western Bulldogs 13.17 (95) d Port Adelaide 8.9 (57) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2011, Western Bulldogs 24.13 (157) d Port Adelaide 15.7 (97) at AAMI Stadium
R16, 2010, Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) d Port Adelaide 7.5 (47) at TIO Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jay Schulz was the difference between the sides last time; he took 14 marks and kicked eight goals, while Travis Boak had 30 possessions and two goals. The Bulldogs had only one multiple goalkicker.
2. The Bulldogs have two players in the top 10 this season for tackles. Luke Dahlhaus is equal sixth with 55 and Liam Picken equal eighth with 54. Hamish Hartlett is the best for the Power – also equal eighth.
3. The Power’s win in 2014 was their first against the Bulldogs since late in 2006, the 72-point final margin was their biggest over the 'Dogs since 2004.
4. The Western Bulldogs are ranked fourth for contested possessions in 2015 averaging 141.7 a game. Comparatively, Port Adelaide is ranked 11th with 135.8 a game.
5. Port's final score of 115 against Melbourne last week was its equal highest this year and pushed its average up to 81 points a game. That's still well down on its 100 points a game in 2014.
6. The Bulldogs don't have a currently available player inside the top 50 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Veteran Robert Murphy is the highest-ranked player at No. 65.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jay Schulz
Schulz was able to find some form last week against Melbourne with four goals and Port would desperately want him to fire again. When he's performed this year, the Power have won.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 17 points
