The Blues’ potent goalkicking trio of Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett got under Adelaide’s guard at the venue in round four when they combined to kick seven goals.
The trio has booted a total of 30 goals in the past month, including 10 against St Kilda on Monday night, and Surjan said the Power had already spent time looking at ways to stop them.
“Betts, Garlett and Yarran are fantastic players. They really get in behind the (opposition) team’s zone and they’re smart footballers,” Surjan said on Tuesday.
“We’re going to have to be on our game to stop them this weekend and it’s going to be up to myself and couple of other guys to pin them down.”
Port Adelaide has lost its past three games against Carlton, including a 54-point drubbing at AAMI Stadium in round 20 last season.
The Power notched up their third straight win with a thrilling three-point victory over Essendon last weekend and will have the advantage of an extra two days break on Sunday, but Surjan said it would still be a massive challenge for his side to overcome the in-form Blues.
“I didn’t get to watch the Carlton v St Kilda game on Monday night, but I went on the internet and had a look at the scores and I was quite surprised (by the margin),” Surjan said.
“Carlton knocked off Geelong a few weeks back and they’re a fantastic team. They are a really solid midfield team, and if we can stop them in that area it will give us a good chance of winning.”
Port Adelaide’s win over Essendon was the club’s fourth come-from-behind triumph this season.
Surjan said a high level of belief within the team was the reason behind the Power’s successful comebacks.
“There’s a lot more care and belief in the group this year compared to the last couple of years. We’re confident in our game plan, our running ability and where we are going. We’re right behind each other and it’s a real different feeling compared to last year,” he said.
“We’re in a great place. To be 5-2 at this time of year is fantastic for our footy club, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. We’re just looking forward to pushing on and winning more games of footy.”
