Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 6 June, 2015
7:10pm (local time), Adelaide Oval
Port Adelaide sit 4-5 after having played six of the top eight teams in the first nine rounds, while the Bulldogs have played seven of the top eight teams at a win-loss record of 5-2.
After a slower start to the season against Fremantle and Sydney, Port turned things around with an eight-point win against Hawthorn in round four and a 24-point win against the Crows in the round five Derby.
They’re back half has been impressive, number one in the competition for rebound 50s with Jasper Pittard leading the charge.
Coming off a 61-point win against Melbourne in round nine, Port will be full of confidence they can go into the bye on equal wins and losses.
Speaking after that win, senior coach Ken Hinkley cited his team’s defensive effort as the key to their win.
“There was no doubt that it was our defence. We know that’s when we play our best footy, when we get the ball and deny the opposition from getting (forward 50) entries, which helps us.”
Port Adelaide Key Stats
- #1 in league for one percenters (457)
- #1 in league for rebound 50s (384)
- #3 in league for tackles (656)
- #4 in league for stoppages (259)
Players to Watch
Boak, Gray, Ebert
How can you pick just one? Travis Boak and Robbie Gray have been the most consistent performers for the Power in recent years, but with Brad Ebert stepping up in 2015 in career-best form, Port boasts a formidable midfield combination. Gray and Boak are averaging 27 disposals, while Ebert is just behind on 26. The trio are averaging over 70 per cent disposal efficiency.
Jay Schulz
When Schulz fires, so do Port Adelaide. In their four wins, Schulz has kicked four, five, five and four goals proving that his performances are crucial to team success. The forward is averaging six marks and just over two goals a game, but has shown he is capable of kicking a bag.
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 11
Port Adelaide 12
Last time we met
Port Adelaide 19.14 (128) defeated Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval, round 14 2014.
Port Adelaide last three games
R9 2015 – Port Adelaide 18.7 (115) defeated Melbourne 8.5 (54)
R8 2015 – Richmond 11.10 (76) defeated Port Adelaide 5.13 (43)
R7 2015 – Brisbane 15.12 (102) defeated Port Adelaide 8.17 (65)
