SUMMARY
Port Adelaide will be heavily favoured to consolidate their spot in the top four against an out-of-sorts North Melbourne. The Power shed their 'pretenders' tag with a superb performance to defeat West Coast at Domain Stadium last Sunday. It was the type of resilient, gritty victory that successful finals campaigns can be built on. While the fourth-placed Power (9-6) are on an upward trajectory, the Kangaroos (17th; 4-11) are unfortunately going the other way. With five straight losses, the season can't end quickly enough for Brad Scott's side. The latest setback was a heart-breaking four-point defeat to Fremantle at Etihad Stadium, with ruckman Todd Goldstein missing a potential match-winning shot at goal late in the game. It's been that sort of year for the Kangaroos. Nothing is guaranteed this season, but the Power should have too much firepower on their home deck.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, July 15, 1.40pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2016, Port Adelaide 16.9 (105) d North Melbourne 10.17 (77) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2015, Port Adelaide 17.11 (113) d North Melbourne 16.9 (105) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2014, North Melbourne 14.13 (97) d Port Adelaide 13.12 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2013, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) at Blundstone Arena
R8, 2012, Port Adelaide 14.11 (95) d North Melbourne 14.9 (93) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Robbie Gray was the difference for the Power in their 28-point victory over the Kangaroos last year. Gray finished the game as the best on ground with 35 disposals, two goals and five clearances.
2. The Power are ranked first for taking the ball inside 50 this season, averaging 61.5 per game. They are also fourth for marking the ball inside 50 and third for scoring, with 102 points per game.
3. History points towards a Kangaroos' victory. They have won 21 of the 31 games they have played against the Power. It's been closer since 2011, with the Kangaroos winning four games to three.
4. One advantage for the Power should be in the clearances. They are ranked second, averaging 40.1 per game, ahead of the 12th ranked Kangaroos with 36.3 per game.
5. This is the first Adelaide Oval clash between the sides. North Melbourne hasn’t enjoyed playing at the venue so far. They have lost all four games against the Crows, with two by more than 60 points.
6. Port Adelaide winger Jared Polec is charging up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. After starting the season ranked 311th overall, Polec is now at a career-high ranking of 133rd. He has improved 178 places, or 57 per cent.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Todd Goldstein
The former All-Australian ruckman had a chance to win last weekend's game against Fremantle, but sprayed his shot wide of the posts. How he reacts mentally will be crucial for the Kangaroos as he goes up against the in-form ruckman in the competition in Patrick Ryder.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 42 points
