Port is desperately seeking a win to shore up its spot in top eight
SUMMARY
You couldn't fault the Saints' effort in their 36-point loss to Carlton last week, but the polish was too often lacking as their record dropped to 3-12. The path out of the bottom four will be tough for the Saints, while Port Adelaide – a cellar dweller last season – finds itself hanging on in eighth spot (8-7). Not for the first time this season, the Power found against Hawthorn that their fortunes reflect those of star midfielder Hamish Hartlett. With the influential 'super boot' tagged out of the game, Hawthorn won by 45 points, leaving Port in a battle for eighth spot with Carlton and West Coast. The Power have everything to play for this week, while St Kilda will continue to heap responsibility onto its emerging youngsters.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday July 20, 7.40pm
R1, 2012, Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 13.7 (85) at AAMI Stadium
R16, 2011, St Kilda 17.7 (109) d Port Adelaide 8.5 (53) at AAMI Stadium
R19, 2010, St Kilda 23.13 (151) d Port Adelaide 8.9 (57) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2010, Port Adelaide 7.12 (54) d St Kilda 6.8 (44) at AAMI Stadium
R5, 2009, St Kilda 15.12 (102) d Port Adelaide 5.6 (36) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda and Port Adelaide haven't met since round one, 2012 at AAMI Stadium when the Power won a thriller by four points. The three Brownlow Medal votes went to Hamish Hartlett with 26 possessions and one goal.
2. Despite that result the Saints have had the better of the Power recently two of the past three and four of six contests since late in 2008.
3. Port Adelaide has been strong for tackles in 2013 ranked fourth with 67.1 per game. St Kilda is ranked 15th with 60.1.
4. No team has had more clangers in 2013 than St Kilda averaging 50.2 a game, but Port Adelaide isn't far behind, ranked third with 48.1 per game.
5. In 2013 St Kilda is averaging only 80 points a game, its worst season offensively since 2002 when it averaged 81 a game.
6. Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak jumped into the top 40 in the Official AFL Player Ratings after his brilliant performance against Hawthorn in round 16. He is the only Power player in the top 40. St Kilda's highest-ranked player, Jack Steven, is No.24.