With Geelong stirred up after a narrow loss to Collingwood, Port Adelaide couldn't have picked a worse time to run into the Cats. It was Geelong’s first defeat of the season and, with an incredible record over Port Adelaide stretching back to the 2007 premiership decider, the home side will have to defy history to put an end to its three-game losing streak. A win for the Power would undoubtedly be the most important of their season so far.
WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Stadium, Saturday May 25, 1.15pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 14, 2012: Geelong 14.15 (99) d Port Adelaide 8.13 (61) at Simonds Stadium
Rd 3, 2011: Geelong 17.20 (122) d Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) at Simonds Stadium
Rd 4, 2010: Geelong 23.21 (159) d Port Adelaide 10.4 (64) at Simonds Stadium
Rd 13, 2009: Geelong 18.14 (122) d Port Adelaide 13.10 (88) at Simonds Stadium
Rd 12, 2008: Geelong 15.18 (108) d Port Adelaide 7.7 (49) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. On paper, this contest is a mis-match - the Cats have won the past seven matches between the sides by an average margin of 62 points. Port Adelaide last beat the Cats in round 21, 2007.
2. Can Ken Hinkley offer some match-winning inside knowledge? After playing at Geelong, the Power coach spent 2004-09 as a senior assistant coach with the Cats, and was a part of their 2007 and 2009 premierships.
3. Both sides have trailed at quarter-time in six of their eight games. On the other hand, both have finished strongly, winning six of their eight second halves.
4. Illustrating the supreme consistency of this Geelong unit, the Cats have won 11 of their last 18 interstate games.
5. Hamish Hartlett has suffered through a frustrating last three games. The Power onballer has averaged just 10 disposals in the last three matches, down from 24 touches a game in the opening five rounds.
6. Neither side has enjoyed much success clearing the ball from stoppages this year. The Power are ranked 14th in the League for clearances, while the Cats are last.
