'Just a bit of banter': Boak downplays Chaplin sledge
Travis Boak says there's no tension between him and Troy Chaplin
PORT Adelaide skipper Travis Boak is downplaying any tension between him and former teammate-turned-Richmond defender Troy Chaplin.
Chaplin grabbed at his Richmond jumper and then ran with his arms outstretched like an aeroplane when he booted consecutive goals to end any chance of a Port comeback in round 17 at Etihad Stadium.
While the victory tasted sweet for Chaplin, his side still languished in 12th spot on the ladder and Boak sarcastically said he hoped the defender was enjoying his season.
However, Boak has now been forced to eat a little humble pie in the lead-up to the Power's elimination final against the Tigers on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
The Tigers haven't lost since beating Port and upset the Sydney Swans last weekend to sneak into the finals.
Boak insisted the banter between the pair earlier in the season was just that.
"I'm sure he'll be pretty happy with his season the way they're going," Boak said on Monday.
"It was a bit of banter after a game and it might add a little bit [of spice] externally but for us, we're just worried about getting the job done on Sunday.
"That was pretty much all it was."
Port speedster Matt White will also face his old side on Sunday.
White was targeted by the Power during last year's free agency period and brought into the club to boost its outside run.
The 27-year-old has posted career-best numbers in 2014, averaging almost 15 disposals and more than a goal a game.
Power coach Ken Hinkley has been thrilled with what White has brought to his side and said the prospect of both players taking on their old teams would add theatre to the final.
"It's just par to the build-up, it will be a little bit of fun," Hinkley said.
"[White's] played his role really well for the club, there's no doubt that we got him for a reason and he's brought every part of that to the club.
"We're really happy that he's come and added to our team.
"Collectively he seems to have improved us as a club."
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