Head to head: Port Adelaide 12 wins, Carlton seven wins, one draw
Last time: Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) def by Carlton 18.13 (121), round 20, 2009 at AAMI Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
Port Adelaide
Daniel Bass (hamstring) - 3 weeks
John Butcher (back) - indefinite
Hamish Hartlett (quad) - 3-4 weeks
Nathan Krakouer (knee) - test
Marlon Motlop (foot) - indefinite
Jasper Pittard (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks
Warren Tredrea (ankle) - 10-12 weeks
Matthew Westhoff (groin) - 1-2 weeks
Nick Salter (suspension) - 1 week
Carlton
Brad Fisher (knee) - 1-2 weeks
Paul Bower (quad) - 1 week
Andrew Walker (collarbone) - 4 weeks
Brock McLean (hip) - test
FORM
Port Adelaide: LLWWW
Carlton: LWWLW
SUMMARY
Who would have thought these two clubs would be contesting one of the matches of the round eight weeks into the season? The outlook for Port prior to the season was generally bleak while many tipped the Blues to slide in the absence of Brendan Fevola, but both have proved the doubters wrong so far. The Power overcame the loss of former skipper Warren Tredrea mid-game last week to surge past the Bombers while Carlton stunned highly-fancied St Kilda on Monday night. The Blues have also knocked over the Cats recently, but coach Brett Ratten has been more concerned with the sub-par performance in the loss to Collingwood that followed that upset. Port has proven the comeback kings of 2010 after trailing at three-quarter time in four of their wins.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Danyle Pearce was on fire against the Bombers in his 100th AFL game, but the knock on him has always been his consistency of effort. He's having a decent year, but can he follow that elite performance with another?
Jordan Russell has continued to build on a good finish to the 2009 season and the Power will need to ensure he isn't allowed time on the ball coming out of defence.
QUESTION MARKS
Will a six-day break for the travelling Blues be an issue? Ratten says no, but Port have a two-day advantage.
Can Port Adelaide maintain their momentum? They've won three in a row after getting absolutely thumped by Geelong.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Blues won't fear AAMI having toppled the Crows there recently and although the short break is a concern they should have the midfield class to edge Port Adelaide. Tredrea is a big loss up forward for the home side and with the Blues' recast attack functioning well they should be able to post a winning score in a tight contest.
PREDICTION
Carlton by six points
Follow James Bartold's inside view of Port Adelaide v Carlton at #aflpowerblues on Twitter.com from 2.40pm Sunday or @AFL_JamesBartold#aflpowerblues
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
