Head to head: Melbourne nine wins, Port Adelaide 11 wins
Last time: Melbourne 15.11 (101) d Port Adelaide 13.12 (90), round 15, 2009 at the MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Melbourne
Matthew Bate (ankle) - test
Sam Blease (leg) - 2-3 weeks
Cameron Bruce (hamstring) - test
Jack Fitzpatrick (shoulder) - 2-3 weeks
Max Gawn (knee) - indefinite
Liam Jurrah (shoulder) - 5-6 weeks
Stefan Martin (hip) - 1 week
John Meesen (ankle) - indefinite
Ricky Petterd (shoulder) - season
Luke Tapscott (hip) - 6-8 weeks
Port Adelaide
Daniel Bass (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
John Butcher (back) - indefinite
Hamish Hartlett (quad) - 2-3 weeks
Nathan Krakouer (groin) - test
Andrew Moore (groin) - 4-5 weeks
Marlon Motlop (foot) - indefinite
Jasper Pittard (hamstring) - test
Warren Tredrea (ankle) - 10-12 weeks
Matthew Westhoff (groin) - 1-2 weeks
FORM
Melbourne: WWLLL
Port Adelaide: LWWWL
SUMMARY
Despite losing their past three matches, the Demons have improved considerably this season after back-to-back wooden spoons in 2008-09. Although last round's loss against West Coast and its season-opener against Hawthorn were disappointing, Melbourne notched three successive wins, including one against a then undefeated Brisbane Lions. It lost to the Magpies by only a point and also pushed the Western Bulldogs right to the limit on the big Friday night stage.
At Port Adelaide, the season is travelling along nicely. Sitting in eighth position after eight rounds, the Power may have dropped last Sunday's clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium, but it was after three consecutive wins against St Kilda, Adelaide and Essendon.
At Port Adelaide, the season is travelling along nicely. Sitting in eighth position after eight rounds, the Power may have dropped last Sunday's clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium, but it was after three consecutive wins against St Kilda, Adelaide and Essendon.
The Power also started the season with back-to-back wins and overall has five wins to its name. And aside from rounds four and five, Port Adelaide has sat inside the top eight every week.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jack Watts, the 2008 No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick, returned to play his first AFL match for the season last week - his fourth overall - and showed some good signs against West Coast. The key forward has been under immense scrutiny and will be given time to settle in the coming weeks.
Although he is no longer an official part of the Power's leadership group, Kane Cornes remains one of its integral players. He was important again last round against the Blues, winning 27 touches and holding Marc Murphy to eight touches in the first half.
QUESTION MARKS
Melbourne plays its first home match in the Northern Territory this round. How will it adapt to the different climate and conditions?
On the other hand, the Power has played at TIO Stadium four times. Will this prove to be a significant advantage over the Demons?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Had this match been played at the MCG, Melbourne may have entered as favourites, considering it has won seven of eight matches against Port Adelaide at the 'G. Although this is a home game for the Demons, the Power has greater experience in the Top End and may acclimatise more easily. Port Adelaide also has the form on the board over the past month.
PREDICTION
Port Adelaide by 27 points
Chat with host Jason Phelan and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 7.10pm AEST on Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #afldemonspower
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
