Port Adelaide is clinging to a mathematical chance of playing finals, but must beat the rejuvenated Lions to keep their dreams alive. The Power's 19-point loss to Greater Western Sydney last Sunday means they have to win their final five matches and hope North Melbourne stumble badly over the remaining weeks to sneak in to the top eight. But while there's life, there's hope. Port has played more consistent football in recent weeks, but will have bad memories of heading to Brisbane after a loss there last year. The Lions took care of Essendon to give coach Justin Leppitsch a week out of the spotlight, but will need to back it up this week. If they can keep the visitors' vaunted midfield in check, they might just be a sneaky chance of an upset.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday July 30, 7.25pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2016, Port Adelaide 21.10 (136) d Brisbane Lions 7.17 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R7, 2015, Brisbane Lions 15.12 (102) d Port Adelaide 8.17 (65) at the Gabba
R4, 2014, Port Adelaide 24.15 (159) d Brisbane Lions 7.4 (46) at Adelaide Oval
R18, 2013, Port Adelaide 9.17 (71) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
R22, 2012, Brisbane Lions 16.8 (104) d Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the teams met earlier this year, the Power led by 29 points at half-time before kicking 11 goals to two in the second half. Charlie Dixon kicked five goals and Travis Boak had 31 disposals.
2. Last week against Essendon the Lions kicked their highest score of the season, 20.8 (128); and their highest score since round 20, 2015.
3. The Lions and Port Adelaide clash for the 32nd time, with the Lions holding a narrow 15-14 advantage. There's been two draws.
4. The Power are equal-last for marks inside 50, averaging 9.6 a game; but the Lions are only marginally better, ranked 15th with 10.6 a game.
5. The Power are ranked second for tackling this season, averaging 78.2 a game. The Lions are 11th with 69.1 tackles a game.
6. Daniel Rich's 27 disposals against the Bombers jumped him to 57th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings – his highest mark since round nine, 2014.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Kane Mitchell. Last week Essendon let Daniel Rich roam free and the blonde Lions midfielder with the lethal left boot made them pay, racking up 27 influential disposals, including a long-range goal. It would stagger if Ken Hinkley gave Rich the same freedom, and with Mitchell the best equipped to slow him down, his role could be vital in the game's outcome.
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