Head to head: Port Adelaide 11 wins, Brisbane Lions 11 wins, two draws
Last time: Brisbane Lions 16.11 (107) d Port Adelaide 14.8 (92), round 21, 2007 at the Gabba
MISSING IN ACTION
Port Adelaide
John Butcher (back) - indefinite
Robbie Gray (back/hamstring) - test
Daniel Motlop (hamstring) - 3-5 weeks
Marlon Motlop (fractured foot) - indefinite
Paul Stewart (concussion) - test
Jacob Surjan (neck) - test
Wade Thompson (fractured eye socket) - 1-2 weeks
Brisbane Lions
Jed Adcock (quad) - TBC
Callum Bartlett (knee) - 2 weeks
Amon Buchanan (thumb) - 4-6 weeks
Jamie Charman (ankle) - 4 weeks
Xavier Clarke (knee) - indefinite
Mitch Golby (knee) - 2 weeks
Bart McCulloch (quad) - 4 weeks
Bryce Retzlaff (shin) - 2 weeks
Sam Sheldon (back) - 2-4 weeks
FORM
Port Adelaide: WW
Brisbane Lions: WW
SUMMARY
Both sides remain undefeated going into Saturday's game despite being pushed in the opening two rounds.
The Power blew a 40-point quarter-time lead last time these two teams met, but last weekend's come-from-behind win over West Coast at Subiaco suggests Mark Williams' men are mentally tougher this season.
The Lions also appear more imposing this year, with skipper Jonathan Brown and ex-Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola combining to form the most dangerous goalkicking partnership in the competition.
The Power blew a 40-point quarter-time lead last time these two teams met, but last weekend's come-from-behind win over West Coast at Subiaco suggests Mark Williams' men are mentally tougher this season.
The Lions also appear more imposing this year, with skipper Jonathan Brown and ex-Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola combining to form the most dangerous goalkicking partnership in the competition.
Port Adelaide's improved defence has not conceded 100 points in a game this season but Brown and Fevola, who have kicked half the Lions' goals this year, will put that to the test this week.
Freakish utility Jared Brennan (suspended) is a big out for the Lions but a nine-day break between games could give the visitors an edge over the Power, who are coming off the toughest road trip in football.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Former Cat Jason Devonport popped up with four last-quarter goals to snatch victory for Port Adelaide last weekend. Davenport was also dangerous, albeit inaccurate, in round one with a return of 1.3 against North Melbourne and is a player who can ignite the Power with his gut running and tackling.
Lions skipper Jonathan Brown is in arguably career-best form, having bagged 12 goals in the opening two rounds. The fearless forward has averaged four goals in his last four games against the Power and will prove a tough match-up for either Alipate Carlile or Troy Chaplin.
QUESTION MARKS
Can Brendan Fevola continue his good form at AAMI Stadium? The controversial Lions' recruit had 15 scoring shots in two games at the venue last year, including a bag of six goals against the Power in round 20.
Can Port Adelaide match it with a genuine finals contender? The Power have impressed in the opening two rounds with narrow wins over North Melbourne and West Coast, but will need to take their game to another level to conquer the Lions.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Port Adelaide gained enormous self-belief from the win out west and should be bolstered by the return of skilful midfielder Robbie Gray.
Brown looms as the Power's biggest threat, but if the home side can reproduce the defensive pressure generated in their first two games it might be enough to give the club its best start to a season since the premiership-winning year of 2004.
Follow Matt Hagias's inside view of Brisbane Lions v Fremantle at #aflpowerlions on Twitter.com from 2.40pm CDT on Saturday or @AFL_MattHagias#aflpowerliions
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
