SUMMARY
It's another mini elimination final for Port Adelaide on Sunday, with victory against St Kilda absolutely crucial if the club's faint finals hopes are to remain alight. Led by skipper Travis Boak and in-form forward Chad Wingard, the Power managed to knock off Essendon last weekend to remain in touch with the top eight. The Saints will also enter round 18 on a high, having beaten Melbourne in a scrappy game last Sunday. With finals footy unlikely for both sides, this looms an important match to set up a run home that delivers momentum and confidence in the remainder of the season.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday August 2, 12.40pm
ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2014, Port Adelaide 19.15 (129) d St Kilda 9.5 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R17, 2013, Port Adelaide 14.13 (97) d St Kilda 13.14 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2012, Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 13.7 (85) at AAMI Stadium
R16, 2011, St Kilda 17.7 (109) d Port Adelaide 8.5 (53) at AAMI Stadium
R19, 2010, St Kilda 23.13 (151) d Port Adelaide 8.9 (57) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Power dominated the Saints the last time these sides met, winning the disposal count 421-315, clearances 37-30, inside 50s 62-34 and took a staggering 135 marks to the Saints' 48.
2. Port Adelaide has been the second-best clearance side in 2015, averaging 42.7 a game while the Saints have struggled, ranked 15th with an average of 36.1.
3. St Kilda has taken a big step forward in its development this season, reflected by its inside 50 numbers. The Saints are ranked seventh averaging 52.2 inside 50s a game, while Port Adelaide is equal eighth with 50.6 a game.
4. The Saints will be looking to overcome an atrocious record at Adelaide Oval. The club is winless from three games at the venue, losing by 70, 79 and 46 points.
5. This will be the 26th meeting between the sides and Port Adelaide holds the advantage winning 15 games to 10; the Power has won the past three to end the Saints' run of four wins from the five games prior.
6. David Armitage remains St Kilda's only player ranked inside the top 50 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Skipper Nick Riewoldt is on the improve but is ranked outside the top 100 at No.126.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jackson Trengove. After Paddy McCartin's nine-mark display last week for the Saints and in the absence of teammate Alipate Carlile, Port defender Trengove has a big role to play on Sunday. His performance as the club's premier key defender will play a major part in the result.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 16 points
