Head to head: Western Bulldogs 7 wins, Port Adelaide 11 wins
Last time: Western Bulldogs 21.11 (137) d Port Adelaide 7.2 (44), round 12, 2009, at TIO Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
Western Bulldogs
Tim Callan (knee) - 1 week
Ayce Cordy (shoulder) - season
Mitch Hahn (hamstring) - 2 weeks
Barry Hall (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Will Minson (ankle) - test
Sam Reid (shoulder) - season
Brennan Stack (hamstring) - 4 weeks
Shane Thorne (knee) - 6 weeks
Port Adelaide
Robbie Gray (back/hamstring) - test
Hamish Hartlett (quad) - season
Michael Pettigrew (knee) - 2-3 weeks
Jacob Surjan (knee) - 1-2 weeks
Matt Thomas (quad) - test
Wade Thompson (quad) - 2-3 weeks
Warren Tredrea (ankle) - 4-5 weeks
FORM
Western Bulldogs: LWWLW
Port Adelaide: LLLLL
SUMMARY
With three wins for their past four starts, the Western Bulldogs have found form. Not much can be read into their round 12 and 13 wins - after all, they were over the Brisbane Lions and West Coast - but last week's demolition of Carlton was an indication of their intent. Their only recent loss was a three-point thriller against Hawthorn, which was two weeks ago and at the start of a small run of injuries with Will Minson and Sam Reid going down first, and Barry Hall and Brennan Stack the week later. Meanwhile, Port Adelaide's has not won since round seven. The disappointing run saw coach and club part ways last Friday, with even Mark Williams' departure unable to rouse the Power out of their slumber. At 14th on the ladder with five wins and 10 losses, it's fair to say Port isn't heading to Darwin with a rich vein of form behind them.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jarrad Grant is yet to be nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star, but he has been very consistent across 11 games this year. Without Barry Hall, there's an opportunity for Grant to really stamp his presence on the forward line and earn a nomination.
All eyes will be on Port's coaching box this week with Matthew Primus to make his debut as caretaker coach. The former club captain will take control of the whiteboard with his style sure to be scrutinised during the game and its breaks.
QUESTION MARKS
Rodney Eade is adamant Brad Johnson is travelling and playing even though he didn't train on Wednesday. Will they risk the injury-plagued skipper on the long flight to Darwin?
What affect will the change in coach will have on the side? The players showed their passion in the first quarter against Collingwood - can Primus make that intensity sustainable?
Cool rooms, ice vests, ridiculous rotations. What lengths will both sides go to in order to beat the heat and maximise their recovery for the following round?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY?
Yes, Port has a new coach. But they also had an outgoing one last week and weren't able to maintain the rage and remain competitive across the whole game. It's hard to see the same team being in the ballpark with the Dogs, who were simply devastating against Carlton last Sunday, especially if Brian Lake has another high-possession game.
PREDICTION:
Western Bulldogs by 54 points.
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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
