Head to head: Fremantle 7 wins, Port Adelaide 14 wins
Last time: Fremantle 17.14 (116) d Port Adelaide 11.8 (74), round 19, 2009 at Subiaco Oval
MISSING IN ACTION
Fremantle
Greg Broughton (hamstring) - 1-2 weeks
Des Headland (knee) - 1 week
Chris Mayne (ankle) - 2 weeks
Luke McPharlin (knee) - 2 weeks
Brock O'Brien (quad) - 1-2 weeks
Nick Suban (elbow) - test
Port Adelaide
John Butcher (back) - test
Brett Ebert (ankle) - test
Robbie Gray (back/hamstring) - 1 week
Hamish Hartlett (quad) - 1 week
Nathan Krakouer (groin) - 1-2 weeks
Marlon Motlop (foot) - 2-3 weeks
Michael Pettigrew (knee) - 6-7 weeks
Nick Salter (calf) - test
Jacob Surjan (knee) - 2-3 weeks
Warren Tredrea (ankle) - 6-7 weeks
FORM
Fremantle: LWWLW
Port Adelaide: LLLLL
SUMMARY
Port Adelaide’s sixth straight loss in round 13 matched its worst ever losing sequence, but the scary thing for the Power is this may just be the start.
Mark Williams’ side begins a daunting six-week stretch against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval, before facing Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Hawthorn and St Kilda.
It’s been a grim turn of fortune at Alberton after a return to the finals looked likely seven rounds into the season. Port was just one game behind Fremantle at that point with a 5-2 record, but the gap between the sides has grown ever wider.
It’s been a grim turn of fortune at Alberton after a return to the finals looked likely seven rounds into the season. Port was just one game behind Fremantle at that point with a 5-2 record, but the gap between the sides has grown ever wider.
Fremantle has held its ground over the last month, ending a two-game losing run with a superb road win over Carlton in round 13.
With Aaron Sandilands, Chris Tarrant and David Mundy playing career-best football and Matthew Pavlich finding a way to have an impact despite a lull in form, Mark Harvey’s side is now a genuine top-four chance.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Fremantle is being patient with Rhys Palmer as he returns from a serious knee injury. He has averaged 63 per cent time on ground in his seven matches back, spending 41 per cent of the Carlton game on the bench. He shapes as a key player in Freo’s run to the finals, so a spike in form would be timely.
Ruckman Dean Brogan is poised to do battle against counterpart Sandilands with minimal help this week, and the timing couldn’t be worse. The two big men have a competitive history and Brogan’s output in the middle will set the tone for the Power midfielders.
QUESTION MARKS
Will Port Adelaide pay Michael Barlow any respect? The first-year sensation has jumped into serious Brownlow Medal contention and is being given far too much leeway by his midfield opponents.
Will Michael Johnson be welcomed back into the fold after serving a six-match club suspension? If so, how will the side function with Aaron Sandilands, Johnson and Kepler Bradley in the same line-up?
What have the Power gained from an exhaustive mid-season review of their on-field performance? Solid solutions will need to have been found if they are to change the trend their season is taking.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY?
Port travels to Subiaco Oval out of sorts and it is impossible to picture a turnaround this week against Fremantle. Injuries are part of the problem, but no excuse for the Power’s dramatic slide. Fremantle, which should welcome back Johnson and Nick Suban, will be ruthless as it looks to solidify claims on a top-four spot.
PREDICTION:
Fremantle by 48 points
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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
