SUMMARY
With these two teams separated in fourth and fifth spot on the ladder by just percentage, this Canberra clash is shaping as a cracker. The Giants have lost Ryan Griffen to injury, but the Power will also be undermanned after ruckman Paddy Ryder was suspended for his late brain fade in last week's Showdown. GWS belted Port by 86 points at the same venue in the corresponding round last year, but Ken Hinkley's side have a different look about them in 2017, and will no doubt be keen to keep their position in the top four. Ollie Wines, Travis Boak and Brad Ebert have been in stunning form so far this season, but Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel and Callan Ward have been outstanding for the Giants, so the midfield battle will be worth the price of admission alone.
WHERE AND WHEN: UNSW Canberra Oval, Saturday, April 15, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2016, Greater Western Sydney 11.13 (79) d Port Adelaide 9.6 (60) at Adelaide Oval
R4, 2016, Greater Western Sydney 22.19 (151) d Port Adelaide 9.11 (65) at Manuka Oval
R20, 2015, Port Adelaide 16.15 (111) d Greater Western Sydney 13.12 (90) at Adelaide Oval
R7, 2014, Port Adelaide 20.12 (132) d Greater Western Sydney 15.7 (97) at Manuka Oval
R12, 2013, Port Adelaide 19.11 (125) d Greater Western Sydney 6.14 (50) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants defeated the Power in a low scoring contest in wet conditions the last time they met, thanks to Dylan Shiel in the midfield with 28 disposals, two goals and eight clearances, while Heath Shaw had 30 touches, 29 of which were kicks.
2. GWS and Port are the two best clearance teams in 2017 so far; Port is ranked first averaging 43 per game, just ahead of GWS with 42.7 per game.
3. These teams meet for the eighth time and the Power holds a narrow advantage winning four games to three; three games have been decided by more than 50 points.
4. It will be a battle between the two best teams for inside 50s so far in 2017; they're ranked equal first with an average of 61 per game.
5. The Giants play at UNSW Canberra Oval for the first time in 2017 after experiencing a successful 2016 season in the ACT, winning all three games, including two by more than 80 points. They’ve now won five of their last six at the venue.
6. Gun forward Robbie Gray is Port's highest-ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings at number five, with dual All Australian Giant Heath Shaw (45th) his likely opponent.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Shane Mumford
The star Giant lowered his colours to young Kangaroo Brayden Preuss last week and will be a frightening prospect for the Power, especially with their No.1 ruckman Paddy Ryder suspended.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 27 points
