Get to know the Lions' upcoming opponents a little better with the following Round 18 match preview courtesy of portadelaidefc.com.au
Port Adelaide
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Ranked: 8th
Brisbane Lions
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Ranked: 12th
Last time
Port Adelaide diced with Brisbane on a slippery afternoon at AAMI Stadium but eventually fell victim to the craft of Dayne Zorko. Chad Wingard was brilliant for the Power with a performance that netted him a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Round 22, 2012: Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) def by Brisbane Lions 16.8 (104) at AAMI Stadium
Port Adelaide's three keys
1. Justin Westhoff
Westhoff was a game-saver last week with an all-star final term. A critical goal late in the game as well as yet another Lifebroker Mark of the Year contender which helped the team out of trouble in the dying stages were just some of his highlights. Undoubtedly one of this team’s core components, he will again need to fire on all cylinders across the ground on Sunday. His ability to impact all day and hit a new level when required makes him one of the Power's most dangerous players at the moment.
2. Matthew Lobbe
Big man Lobbe was in fine form against the Saints and was on track to eclipse Gary Ablett’s NAB AFL Dream Team score early in the match. Although he fell away in the latter stages, Lobbe demonstrated his worth as an aggressive ruckman holding down sole duties. He can damage the scoreboard and is certainly capable of winning his own ball at stoppages. Another good game beckons on Sunday.
3. Chad Wingard
His brilliant year continued against St Kilda with a now standard two goals and over 20 touches. Wingard received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination the last time he played the Lions and he'll want to go one better on Sunday by helping his team to a win at home. There has been little difference between Wingard's best and worst this year - that's been a good thing for the Power - and he is sure to feature again against the Lions.
Final Word
Port learned the need to be vigilant when defending big leads against the Saints last Saturday night.
St Kilda’s improvement at clearances was a significant contributor to reversing its in-match form, which saw it wipe away the Power's 39-point lead.
The defensive aspect of Port's game should be helped by the forecast wet conditions, but a sodden AAMI deck featured in the Power's last game against the Lions and several late goals saw the its chance to win disappear.
Port has conceded just three games at home this year - all against top six teams - but it will be little comfort against a Brisbane that has proven just as big a giant-killer this year as the Power.
Who could forget the Lions' come-from-behind wins against North Melbourne and Geelong in the last month?
Brisbane also has the momentum of three consecutive victories pushing them into this game as well as a successful recent record against the Power.
Port needs to respond to last week's effort with a complete effort throughout the game.
In its favour is the knowledge that its contested performance has earned it good wins, particularly at home against quality sides.
Port Adelaide
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Ranked: 8th
Brisbane Lions
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Ranked: 12th
Last time
Port Adelaide diced with Brisbane on a slippery afternoon at AAMI Stadium but eventually fell victim to the craft of Dayne Zorko. Chad Wingard was brilliant for the Power with a performance that netted him a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Round 22, 2012: Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) def by Brisbane Lions 16.8 (104) at AAMI Stadium
Port Adelaide's three keys
1. Justin Westhoff
Westhoff was a game-saver last week with an all-star final term. A critical goal late in the game as well as yet another Lifebroker Mark of the Year contender which helped the team out of trouble in the dying stages were just some of his highlights. Undoubtedly one of this team’s core components, he will again need to fire on all cylinders across the ground on Sunday. His ability to impact all day and hit a new level when required makes him one of the Power's most dangerous players at the moment.
2. Matthew Lobbe
Big man Lobbe was in fine form against the Saints and was on track to eclipse Gary Ablett’s NAB AFL Dream Team score early in the match. Although he fell away in the latter stages, Lobbe demonstrated his worth as an aggressive ruckman holding down sole duties. He can damage the scoreboard and is certainly capable of winning his own ball at stoppages. Another good game beckons on Sunday.
3. Chad Wingard
His brilliant year continued against St Kilda with a now standard two goals and over 20 touches. Wingard received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination the last time he played the Lions and he'll want to go one better on Sunday by helping his team to a win at home. There has been little difference between Wingard's best and worst this year - that's been a good thing for the Power - and he is sure to feature again against the Lions.
Final Word
Port learned the need to be vigilant when defending big leads against the Saints last Saturday night.
St Kilda’s improvement at clearances was a significant contributor to reversing its in-match form, which saw it wipe away the Power's 39-point lead.
But Port was able to temper its opponent’s charge with some momentum-breaking goals to John Butcher, Justin Westhoff and Jasper Pittard late in the game.
That said, it can't afford to let its big leads slip, particularly against dangerous sides like Brisbane this Sunday.
That said, it can't afford to let its big leads slip, particularly against dangerous sides like Brisbane this Sunday.
The defensive aspect of Port's game should be helped by the forecast wet conditions, but a sodden AAMI deck featured in the Power's last game against the Lions and several late goals saw the its chance to win disappear.
Port has conceded just three games at home this year - all against top six teams - but it will be little comfort against a Brisbane that has proven just as big a giant-killer this year as the Power.
Who could forget the Lions' come-from-behind wins against North Melbourne and Geelong in the last month?
Brisbane also has the momentum of three consecutive victories pushing them into this game as well as a successful recent record against the Power.
Port needs to respond to last week's effort with a complete effort throughout the game.
In its favour is the knowledge that its contested performance has earned it good wins, particularly at home against quality sides.
It is ranked highly in contested football and the stage is set for a match similar to its Round 13 win against Sydney.
The stage is almost set for a big battle at lunchtime on Sunday.
Current odds
Port Adelaide 1.42 – 2.95 Brisbane Lions
The stage is almost set for a big battle at lunchtime on Sunday.
Current odds
Port Adelaide 1.42 – 2.95 Brisbane Lions
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
