Ahead of Saturday's historic clash in Ballarat, we've identified the key players from Port Adelaide to keep an eye on.
- Paddy Ryder
The form of Ryder throughout 2017 has been a standout with his tap work a key weapon for providing their midfield with first use. Ryder has been able to form a strong link with their midfield which has seen the Power become a strong side around stoppages.
- Brad Ebert
Ebert is a hard-running midfielder that will split his time between playing as a wingman and inside mid. He’s particularly damaging as a linkup option that’s often involved in several of their scoring chains. Ebert possesses’ great endurance and has been remarkably consistent over the past few seasons.
- Robbie Gray
This season has seen Gray play predominantly as a forward following several seasons in the midfield. At times he’s played deep inside 50 and poses a threat with his combination of pace and skill. In recent weeks Gray has spent more time through the midfield and cannot be afforded any space at stoppages.
- Ollie Wines
His impact around stoppages is where he can hurt the opposition with an ability to not only win clearances but also provide a physical presence a key. Wines’ connection with Ryder has been vitally important in helping the Power control the inside midfield battle.
- Chad Wingard
Wingard is a high quality player who can play both through the midfield and up forward. He’s likely to alternate with Robbie Gray to ensure at least one of them is in each part of the ground. There aren’t many more damaging players forward-of-centre with his left foot and pace making Wingard a constant danger.
- Charlie Dixon
The emergence of Dixon as a consistent presence inside 50 has been influential in their rise up the ladder this season. Dixon is one of the better contested marks in the game and is equally as comfortable playing up the ground as he is close to goal.
- Tom Jonas
Throughout the season Jonas has been a mainstay in one of the strongest defensive units in the league. A key strength of the back six is their versatility which is led by Jonas’ ability to play on a range of types whether that is key position or even small forwards.
