SUMMARY
Everything seemed to be pointing towards a top-four finish a fortnight ago, but disappointing losses to Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney now have Port Adelaide just a game inside the top eight. Errant ball use has been the Power's downfall of late, but if they can see off an early pressure onslaught from the young Bulldogs, Ken Hinkley's men should find the going easier as the game progresses. One area of the game where the struggling Dogs could have an advantage is in the ruck, with the Power badly missing All Australian big man Paddy Ryder through injury. But if powerful forward Charlie Dixon continues his good form against the home side (18 goals from eight games), and gives Port some solid assistance in the ruck, the visitors should easily make it two wins from two appearances in Ballarat.
WHERE AND WHEN: Mars Stadium, Sunday, July 29, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R13, 2018, Port Adelaide 20.12 (132) d Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75) at Adelaide Oval
R22, 2017, Port Adelaide 14.12 (96) d Western Bulldogs 11.13 (79) at Mars Stadium
R12, 2016, Western Bulldogs 15.10 (100) d Port Adelaide 14.13 (97) at Adelaide Oval
R19, 2015, Western Bulldogs 19.14 (128) d Port Adelaide 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2015, Port Adelaide 16.4 (100) d Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round 13, the Power had 81 more disposals, took 22 more marks and laid 21 more tackles. They also won the clearances by 17 and the inside 50s by 27. Ollie Wines was the star with 35 disposals.
2. The Power are one of the strongest contested possession teams this season, ranked fifth averaging 149.4, a long way ahead of the Bulldogs (12th) with an average of 140.4.
3. Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide meet for the 29th time and the Power hold the advantage, winning 15 games to 13. The Power have been the better side recently winning four of the past six.
4. The Power are the No.1 tackling side this season, averaging 71.9. They are a long way ahead of the ninth-ranked Bulldogs (63.9).
5. This is the Bulldogs’ third match at Mars Stadium; they lost to Port Adelaide in 2017 before defeating the Gold Coast Suns in round seven. Port Adelaide is three wins and four losses interstate this season.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest-ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in 14th position (523.7), while Robbie Gray is Port's best in 19th spot (502.8).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Marcus Bontempelli in his 100th game. The superstar playmaker hasn't regularly reached his usual lofty standards in 2018, but after recovering from appendicitis, a big performance would be handy from the acting captain.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 32 points
