The midfield battle: Boak v Bont
With both players spending time in the midfield this year, this match up looms as the key contest of Saturday’s clash.
If there’s anyone who can hinder Boak’s influence in the contest, it’s The Bont.
Boak has enjoyed an impressive season for the Power, averaging 32.1 disposals at 65% efficiency over his thirteen appearances, while Bontempelli has once again proved his worth within the midfield, averaging 27.2 disposals at 69% efficiency in 2019.
Who stops Charlie Dixon?
With the likes of Charlie Dixon and emerging star Connor Rozee in the Power’s forward line, the Dogs’ defensive pressure will be a key focus this weekend.
The last time they met, Jackson Trengove spent a majority of the game in the ruck, where he collected an outstanding 22 disposals, 10 clearances, five tackles and two goals.
Moving into the backline this weekend to face his old side, Trengove could be the man for the job against Dixon, who booted five majors in the Power’s 44-point victory at Mars Stadium in Round 19, 2018.
Lycett’s influence
It’s been a big season for developing ruckman Tim English, who has faced some of the competition’s toughest opponents in recent weeks. The 21-year-old will be confronted with another challenge at Adelaide Oval this Saturday, facing Port’s Scott Lycett.
Coming off the back of a dominant performance against Geelong in Round 14, Lycett’s influence is undeniable, which could provide a huge learning curve for the developing Bulldog.
English seems to get better with each game he plays, and now he has another chance to put himself to the test against one of the competition’s greats.
The interstate factor
It’s no secret that the Bulldogs have struggled interstate in recent years, with Adelaide Oval proving a hard task for the Dogs. With just one win from six matches at the ground, the team will be looking to turn their luck this Saturday night and grant their first interstate victory since 2017.
With big-man Trengove in the backline and Aaron Naughton’s influence up-forward for the first time against the Power, the Dogs will be looking to break the curse this weekend.
