Port Adelaide’s recent form: LWLLW

Recent results against Melbourne
Round three, 2009, Port Adelaide 22.15 (147) d Melbourne 14.6 (90), AAMI Stadium
Round 21, 2008, Port Adelaide 18.21 (129) d Melbourne 7.9 (51), AAMI Stadium
Round 17, 2007, Port Adelaide 25.13 (163) d Melbourne 11.8 (74), AAMI Stadium
Round six, 2007, Port Adelaide 10.16 (76) d Melbourne 9.17 (71), MCG
Round 13, 2006, Melbourne 18.12 (120) d Port Adelaide 12.10 (82), MCG

Medical room          
Port Adelaide
Shaun Burgoyne (knee) – ongoing assessment
Travis Boak (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Matt Thomas (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) – 3 weeks
Daniel Motlop (ankle) – 6-7 weeks

Melbourne
Jake Spencer (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Tom McNamara (hip) – 1-2 weeks
Simon Buckley (groin) – 1-2 weeks
Rhys Healey (quad) – 2 weeks
Austin Wonaeamirri (knee) – 3-4 weeks
John Meesen (knee) – indefinite
Colin Garland (foot) – indefinite
Sam Blease (leg) – indefinite
James Strauss (shoulder) – indefinite

Summary

Port Adelaide appeared to turn a corner with a committed four-quarter performance against the Brisbane Lions, but will need to put together consecutive wins to convince fans it is back on the straight and narrow.

 

Things are also looking up for the Power on the injury front.

Star veteran Chad Cornes should return after a month-long layoff with injury and midfield duo Matt Thomas and Travis Boak are likely to be available next week.

Last weekend Melbourne - inspired by the news of President Jim Stynes’ cancer battle - held off a fast finishing West Coast to claim its second win of 2009.

The Dees have been competitive for the most part this season and the Power will need to safeguard against a possible letdown after last week’s stirring win.

Key match-up
Dean Brogan v Mark Jamar
Brogan and Brendon Lade combined to give their midfielders an armchair ride at AAMI Stadium last weekend. Brogan in particular was significant at the stoppages against the undersized Lions’ rucks finishing with 24 hit-outs, 15 disposals and a goal. Jamar also put in an impressive performance in round 14, racking up 29 hit-outs and a goal in just his third game of the season. Port Adelaide put on a clinic at the clearances on Saturday and will look to the palm of Brogan again this week.

Kick it to me
For the third-straight week it’s impossible to go past David Rodan. Rodan was clearly best on ground in Port Adelaide’s win over the Lions, picking up a career-best 30 possessions (10 contested), 12 clearances and four inside 50s. Rodan danced out of the centre square at will and created the play with eight running bounces. The Fijian-born dynamo has blossomed since returning to the Power line-up in round 10 and will be steeled to play another starring role on the MCG stage.

Somebody stop me
Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean showcased his leadership potential on Saturday afternoon with an inspired performance against West Coast. McLean had 28 possessions (11 contested), four clearances and laid five tackles. McLean, Cameron Bruce, Nathan Jones and Aaron Davey fill the engine room at the Dees and if the Power can shut down one or more of Melbourne’s playmakers a win is on the cards.

At the selection table
Port Adelaide is likely to make at least one change to the team that demolished the Lions. Michael Pettigrew, who was omitted last week, could be recalled to replace suspended centre half-back Troy Chaplin. Chad Cornes (knee) will return after getting through training on Wednesday and could also be used as cover for Chaplin.
 
Defender Nick Lower was at his reliable best in the SANFL on the weekend, but might struggle to break back into the winning team.

It’s not generally known that...
David Rodan racked up an equal league-best 12 clearances in round 14. St Kilda stalwart Lenny Hayes also notched up 12.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.