Port Adelaide could scarcely be riding higher after its 5-0 start to the season and its stunning comeback win against West Coast last Saturday night. North has had a much tougher start to the season but its 1-4 record belies the strong form that has seen it fall just short against Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn. Nonetheless, North now has little margin for error if it is to reach its second finals series in a row, with a win against the Power on its 'home' turf in Hobart a must. However, if Ken Hinkley's unbeaten coaching run continues, the Power will be extremely well placed to make their first finals series since 2007.
WHERE AND WHEN: Blundstone Arena, Saturday May 4, 2.10pm
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2012, Port Adelaide 14.11 (95) d North Melbourne 14.9 (93) at AAMI Stadium
R14, 2011, North Melbourne 21.10 (136) d Port Adelaide 14.7 (91) at AAMI Stadium
R6, 2011, North Melbourne 18.25 (133) d Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2010, North Melbourne 19.15 (129) d Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2010, Port Adelaide 13.18 (96) d North Melbourne 12.10 (82) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide won a thriller the last time the teams met, in round eight, 2012 at AAMI Stadium. After trailing by 32 points at the eight-minute mark of the final quarter, the Power stormed home to win by two points.
2. Power spearhead Jay Schulz has kicked 17 goals in his past three games against North, including 7.0 in round eight last year.
3. The Kangaroos have had the better of the Power recently, having won three of their past four contests and five of their past seven.
4. Port Adelaide conceded an average score of 97 points in 2012, but has cut that figure to 77 in the first five rounds this season.
5. Port Adelaide is ranked fifth this season for marks inside 50, the Kangaroos are ranked 16th.
6. North is ranked equal first for centre clearances in 2013, the Power are ranked 14th.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or the clubs
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2012, Port Adelaide 14.11 (95) d North Melbourne 14.9 (93) at AAMI Stadium
R14, 2011, North Melbourne 21.10 (136) d Port Adelaide 14.7 (91) at AAMI Stadium
R6, 2011, North Melbourne 18.25 (133) d Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2010, North Melbourne 19.15 (129) d Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2010, Port Adelaide 13.18 (96) d North Melbourne 12.10 (82) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide won a thriller the last time the teams met, in round eight, 2012 at AAMI Stadium. After trailing by 32 points at the eight-minute mark of the final quarter, the Power stormed home to win by two points.
2. Power spearhead Jay Schulz has kicked 17 goals in his past three games against North, including 7.0 in round eight last year.
3. The Kangaroos have had the better of the Power recently, having won three of their past four contests and five of their past seven.
4. Port Adelaide conceded an average score of 97 points in 2012, but has cut that figure to 77 in the first five rounds this season.
5. Port Adelaide is ranked fifth this season for marks inside 50, the Kangaroos are ranked 16th.
6. North is ranked equal first for centre clearances in 2013, the Power are ranked 14th.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or the clubs
