LAST YEAR we saw just how far youth and unbridled enthusiasm can take a team, as the Power, who started the season with the third youngest list in the AFL, won their way through to the game's biggest stage.

Port Adelaide blooded five debutants along the journey, including Justin Westhoff, Robbie Gray and Travis Boak, and now it's time to meet the class of 2008.

The Power has unveiled one new player this season, Paul Stewart, and the race is on to see who will join him in earning a new contract for next year.

Port Adelaide’s recent form: lost to Richmond by four, lost to Geelong by 59, lost to Carlton by 12, beat Fremantle by 28 and lost to Sydney Swans by 11.

Recent results against the Western Bulldogs:
Round 14, 2007, Western Bulldogs 20.13 (133) d Port Adelaide 17.11 (113), TD
Round 19, 2006, Port Adelaide 14.21 (105) d Bulldogs 13.13 (91), Marrara
Round seven, 2006, Western Bulldogs 25.16 (166) d Port Adelaide 13.12 (90), AAMI
Round 12, 2005, Port Adelaide 17.16 (118) d Bulldogs 15.13 (103), AAMI
Round 20, 2004, Port Adelaide 23.9 (147) d Bulldogs 9.7 (61), Marrara

Strengths:
The Power, with the finals now out of reach, will have nothing to lose against the highly fancied Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

Port Adelaide has struggled, perhaps mentally, to play out four quarters this season, but this week might just be the release the Power have been searching for.

Coach Mark Williams has flagged five or more changes to the line-up, which will be without Steve Salopek (achilles), Peter Burgoyne (hamstring), Chad Cornes (calf) and Matt Thomas (suspended) and, with pride and careers on the line, expect a spirited performance from the Power this week.

Potential weakness:
Williams lamented his team’s inability to spoil inside its defensive 50m in the narrow loss to Richmond last week. Against the Tigers, the super impressive Alipate Carlile was beaten for the first time and, without Toby Thurstans, the back six looked vulnerable conceding nine goals in the first term alone.

The Western Bulldogs have one of the most unorthodox, yet efficient forward structures in the competition with Brad Johnson, Scott Welsh, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy and the rejuvenated Jason Akermanis combining to make the Dogs the highest scoring team this season. The Power held that same mantle at different stages during 2007 and will need to rediscover their own run and offensive drive to topple the Dogs on Saturday night.

They’re sweating on:
The Power had fewer contested possessions (92) than any other team in the league last week, with the exception of the hapless Melbourne (77).

A greater focus on contested possession has been identified as a reason behind the Bulldogs' rapid improvement this season and the Power must also lift in this area if they are to get over the line against the better sides.

Dangermen:
Dom Cassisi: Despite battling a calf strain, Cassisi was superb last week with 23 possessions, five inside 50s, 11 tackles and a game-high nine clearances.

The underrated onballer might be given a tagging role on Saturday night through the Power’s need to stop top Dogs Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen and Akermanis. Williams has indicated some different names might be cast in run-with roles for the remainder of the season, but Cassisi’s grit around the ground will be invaluable nonetheless.

Michael Pettigrew: Like Carlile, Pettigrew had his hands full with the unpredictable Tigers forwards last week and will be primed for a better showing in Darwin. In round 14 last season, Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson booted five goals on Power veteran Michael Wilson and will warrant another good defender this week. Pettigrew also has experience on former Crow Scott Welsh and will need to nullify whichever damaging forward comes his way in Darwin.

Daniel Motlop: The mercurial forward will have plenty of home crowd support at TIO Stadium this week. Motlop was a star against Richmond with six goals, lifting his season tally to 39 (ranked seventh in the AFL) and will be looking for a big game in front of the Darwin faithful.

It’s not generally known…
Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have met twice at TIO Stadium (formerly Marrara) with the Power winning on both occasions.

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