SUMMARY
An inconsistent Power side kick off the first of three-straight prime-time home games with a clash against the reigning premiers. The eighth-placed Power (6-4) have shown glimpses of what many thought they were capable of after an off-season signing spree, but have also been guilty of basic skill errors that have cost them games. Superstar Robbie Gray needs more support from Charlie Dixon, Jack Watts and Chad Wingard in attack. The forwards will also need to keep a tight hold on Tigers' defensive lynchpin Alex Rance to prevent him from taking easy intercept marks. The Tigers, second on the ladder with a 9-2 record, are absolutely flying. Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin – who is sidelined with a calf injury - collected the three votes the last time he faced the Power, while Josh Caddy and Shane Edwards are in great form. It's a great test for the Power to see where they sit against the premiership favourites.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Friday, June 8, 7.20pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2017, Richmond 11.10 (76) d Port Adelaide 8.15 (63) at Adelaide Oval
R15, 2016, Port Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Richmond 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2016, Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) d Richmond 8.11 (59) at the MCG
R8, 2015, Richmond 11.10 (76) d Port Adelaide 5.13 (43) at Adelaide Oval
1EF, 2014, Port Adelaide 20.12 (132) d Richmond 11.9 (75) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Tigers stormed home with eight goals to three in the second half to grab a 13-point victory in the most recent meeting between these two sides last year. Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin – who won't play on Friday night with a calf injury - was best on ground with 36 disposals and a goal.
2. Richmond is the second-highest scoring team in the competition, second for marks inside 50 and second for inside 50s. Meanwhile, the Power are 13th in scoring, eighth for marks inside 50 and equal eighth for inside 50s.
3. The Tigers have won four of their past seven games against the Power since 2013. Neither side has scored 100 points in a game against the other in the past four years.
4. One advantage for the Power is their tackling pressure. They're ranked second in the League for tackles with an average of 69.1 per game. In contrast, the Tigers are ranked 15th with an average of 60.7.
5. The honours are split between the Power and Tigers in four games at Adelaide Oval with two wins each. The Tigers have won three of their eight games at the venue.
6. In-form Tigers forward Josh Caddy is ranked eighth this season in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, averaging 16.7 points per game. That's helped Caddy rise to 93rd overall after starting the season ranked 159th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Dynamic Power forward Chad Wingard has struggled to have the same influence he had last year. The 24-year-old, who was an All Australian in 2013 and 2015, needs to get more involved and provide the match-winning plays that he's capable of. Wingard has kicked only 11 goals from nine games this season.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 15 points
