All of a sudden this looms as a serious game of football. The Power were ultra-impressive in their upset defeat of the Sydney Swans last weekend, securing eighth spot and raising a few eyebrows in the process. Just like the Swans, Collingwood will enter this one as favourites but with the weather expected to benefit the Power's contested, defensive style, another upset is brewing, along with the rain clouds.
WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Stadium, Saturday June 29, 4.10pm (ACST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2012, Collingwood 14.13 (97) d Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, Collingwood 23.21 (159) d Port Adelaide 3.3 (21) at AAMI Stadium
R1, 2011, Collingwood 24.11 (155) d Port Adelaide 12.8 (80) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2010, Collingwood 16.9 (105) d Port Adelaide 12.7 (79) at AAMI Stadium
R10, 2009, Collingwood 17.12 (114) d Port Adelaide 11.10 (76) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood have won the last six battles between these two sides including a mammoth 138-point hiding of the Power in 2011.
2. The Magpies have loved their road trips over the last few years, winning 12 of their last 16 games outside of Victoria.
3. Power coach Ken Hinkley's focus on defence has been obvious in 2013; the Power are ranked fourth defensively conceding just 82 points a game in 2013 while Collingwood are ranked eighth with 89.
4. Both of these teams have been strong on the outside of contests in 2013. Port is ranked sixth in the League for uncontested possessions, but Collingwood is second.
5. The Magpies are also one of the strongest contested marking clubs in the AFL, ranked fifth. Without a Travis Cloke in the forward line, the Power have struggled to take marks – ranked 17th for contested grabs.
6. Heath Shaw is enjoying a sensational season, reflected by his rise in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Shaw is ranked 39th overall, the but is the second highest rated defender.
