Early season surprise packet Port Adelaide heads to the Gold Coast on the back of a huge comeback victory over arch-rivals Adelaide last weekend. With former Suns' assistant Ken Hinkley leading the way at his new club, the Power have rocketed to second on the ladder with three straight wins. Captain Travis Boak is leading the way with a stellar start to the season, while rookie Ollie Wines is turning heads with his fearless approach in the midfield. Gold Coast has also made strides this year and was unlucky to lose against the Brisbane Lions last start. Two young teams on the way up should result in an absorbing contest.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday April 20, 7.40pm? (AEST)
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST TWO TIMES
Rd 9, 2012, Port Adelaide 17.16 (118) d Gold 10.10 (70), at Metricon Stadium
Rd 5, 2011, Gold Coast 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 15.11 (101) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
- Gold Coast and Port Adelaide met once in 2012 and the Power were comfortable winners by 48 points in round nine at Metricon Stadium.
- Travis Boak starred in that win, 28 possessions and three goals; for the Suns Gary Ablett and Harley Bennell had 25 possessions each. Port won the total possession count (366-326) thanks to their ruck dominance, 56 hit-outs to 38.
- It’s now one win each between the club; the Suns won their first AFL game in 2011, defeating the Power in a thriller.
- Suns skipper Gary Ablett enjoys an impressive record against Port Adelaide, kicking 17 goals from 16 games. He has won 11 of the 16 matches against the Power.
- New Power coach Ken Hinkley is no stranger to the Gold Coast, spending the 2011 and 2012 seasons as senior assistant coach with the Suns.
- Did you know, Port Adelaide doesn’t have a great recent record in Queensland, winning just once since 2007?
