IT wasn't so long ago that a match between the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide would have had AFL fans salivating.
They were the dominant forces in the first half of last decade with the Lions winning premierships from 2001-2003 and the Power preventing a fourth straight flag with a win in the 2004 decider.
They regularly met in finals, had nail-biting home and away matches, and generally did not like each other.
But in 2011 they're running 15th and 16th respectively and both are desperate for a win on Sunday to move away from the wooden spoon zone.
The Lions are coming off a competitive loss against Fremantle, while Power coach Matthew Primus accused his men of raising the white flag in their loss against North Melbourne.
Forward scout
The club: Port Adelaide
2011 so far: To date the season has been nothing short of a disaster. The Power started with losses to Collingwood, West Coast and Geelong and have never recovered. Aside from wins over Adelaide and Richmond they have been largely uncompetitive, losing six matches by more than 50 points. Coaching staff has talked of the need for cultural changes and despite Primus dropping a number of senior players to the SANFL, he has struggled to find the magic formula.
The coach: After five seasons as an assistant to Mark Williams, Primus got his chance at the head coaching role after round 15 last season. He started with a bang, winning five of seven matches to finish the season and get the gig to coach in 2011. The club great, who missed the 2004 premiership while undergoing a knee reconstruction, has wielded the axe and talked about changing attitudes, but it seems a long road back for the Power.
The star: Travis Boak is now in his fifth season and is quietly establishing himself as a quality midfielder. He finished fourth in the club's best and fairest last season, and in a dismal campaign is the Power's most consistent player. He is averaging 22 disposals and five tackles per match and loves to get the hard ball. Will battle hard with Simon Black to gain ascendency in the clearances.
The sleeper: Justin Westhoff is one of the few Power players who can almost single-handedly turn a match. Unfortunately for Port Adelaide fans the 199cm, 93kg forward hasn't done it on a regular basis, but his mobility and strong hands make him a tough match-up on his day. Westhoff starred in the win over Adelaide and with a decent supply of ball can kick a bag of goals.
The young gun: After a slow start to his career, Matthew Broadbent is now one of the Power's most reliable players. He debuted in 2009 but was in and out of the team. After playing the final nine matches of last season, he has played all 13 this season and has shown a desire to compete in the clinches. Along with Boak, has a willingness many of his teammates would do well to emulate.
Strengths: While they don't always show it, the Power have the nucleus of a good midfield that can trouble the Lions. With Boak, Matt Thomas, Kane Cornes and Broadbent, they have players who at their best like to get in and under and do the tough stuff. Midfield pressure is a barometer for most clubs and the Power are no different - if it's on, they are capable of making the Lions chase leather.
Weaknesses: It's probably unfair to pinpoint one specific weakness in such a disappointing season, but the Port Adelaide defence has been under siege. Other than the young Gold Coast team, the Power have the worst defensive record in the competition by far - conceding 101 points more than next-worst Richmond. When you get on top of the Power they have not shown much willingness to fight.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting
