Head to head: Port Adelaide 14 wins, West Coast six wins
Last time: Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) d West Coast 12.14 (86), round two, 2010 at Subiaco Oval
MISSING IN ACTION
Port Adelaide
Chad Cornes (finger) - 3-4 weeks
Hamish Hartlett (quad) - season
Matt Lobbe (hamstring) - 1 week
Steve Salopek (shoulder) - season
Jacob Surjan (knee) - season
West Coast
Sam Butler (foot) - season
Bradd Dalziell (finger) - season
Darren Glass (abdomen) - season
Ash Hansen (hip) - test
Tim Houlihan (hamstring) - test
Shannon Hurn (hamstring) - 1 week
Brett Jones (fractured cheekbone) - season
Daniel Kerr (hamstring) - season
Chris Masten (ankle) - test
Mark Nicoski (shoulder) - season
Adam Selwood (AC joint) - test
Beau Waters (general soreness) - test
FORM
Port Adelaide: LLWWL
West Coast: LWLLL
SUMMARY
Both sides will be rapt that the season is rapidly drawing to a close. Both rated themselves finals chances before the season, but both sit in the bottom four with Richmond and the Brisbane Lions. The Power have won two of their last three - often a direct knock-on after replacing the coach - while the Eagles have won just once since May. The stats promise a stark contrast in playing styles - while West Coast is last in tackles, Port ranks first in contested possessions and second in one-percenters, although ranking 14th in uncontested possessions suggests they don’t run enough, or don’t hit open targets all that well. The sides are coming off contrasting results from last weekend - the Eagles were beaten when Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown kicked a goal with seconds to go, while the Power were trounced by the Saints.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Danyle Pearce was well held by Clint Jones last week, finishing with just 10 possessions. Just four of his possessions were contested, just over half his season average. He really needs to turn it around this week.
Matt Priddis is an oldie but a goodie at West Coast - passed over in several drafts and rookie drafts, he finally got onto the Eagles’ rookie list and has been a star ever since. He leads the club in contested possessions, possessions and clearances.
QUESTION MARKS
Can West Coast win and take a step towards avoiding the club’s first wooden spoon?
Will another Power win move caretaker coach Matthew Primus closer to being appointed full-time next season?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Current form says Port - they have two wins from their last three, while West Coast couldn’t beat the Lions. Also, the Eagles haven’t beaten Port at AAMI since round 11, 1998.
PREDICTION
Port Adelaide by 21 points
Chat with host James Bartold and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 6.40pm (ACST) Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #aflpowereagles
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
