Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs
vs
Adelaide Oval 7:10pm AEST Saturday 15 May 21
Forecast (at this early stage) is 40% chance of 1mm rain. Could be slippery even if it doesn’t rain
After a very flat effort against the Lions, Port Adelaide returned to the winners circle on Saturday night by taking bragging rights in Showdown 49. While a 49 point win is nothing to sneeze at, Port are not running in top gear at the moment. Juggling injuries and form, we are just doing enough to stay in touch.
Western Bulldogs have been playing some great footy off the back of a dominant midfield. That midfield, minus Stef Martin and Tim English, was tested by Carlton on Sunday. With Pittonet from Carlton dominating, the Bulldogs struggled to get 1st use and their backline was put under enormous pressure. After ½ time however, the Bulldogs started to win back the midfield battle and break Carlton hearts.
Head to head - We have enjoyed a 4-1 advantage over the last 5 games, with Bulldogs winning at Adelaide Oval in 2019. This game will be 3 in a row at Adelaide Oval. The last time we played the at home was at Eureka in 2018.
Ins and outs - Another injury to Dan Houston on the weekend and a suspension on its way to Scott Lycett will further test our resolve. Many Port supporters will be hoping to see Hayes make his debut, but Port could also use Peter Ladhams who has been building form in the SANFL, although mainly as a forward. Dan Houston will be a big loss for Port, but HBF is an area of strength. Will Trent McKenzie play his 1st AFL game of 2020, or will the coaches opt to bring Bonner back in to the side. If its Bonner, lets hope Miles Bergman is pushed to HBF and Bonner is used on the Wing.
English should return against Port, but Martin is expected to miss again. The Dogs are also expected to be without Lachie Hunter due to a broken hand. Bulldogs will more than likely cover Hunter with Mitch Wallis. I have no idea who will come out for Time English, as I expect Jordan Sweet to stay in as they continue to run with 2 ruckmen.
Key Matchups – Sam Hayes vs English/Sweet. Hayes has been in tantalizing form and if selected will be key to stopping the Bulldogs midfield getting it their own way
vs
Adelaide Oval 7:10pm AEST Saturday 15 May 21
Forecast (at this early stage) is 40% chance of 1mm rain. Could be slippery even if it doesn’t rain
After a very flat effort against the Lions, Port Adelaide returned to the winners circle on Saturday night by taking bragging rights in Showdown 49. While a 49 point win is nothing to sneeze at, Port are not running in top gear at the moment. Juggling injuries and form, we are just doing enough to stay in touch.
Western Bulldogs have been playing some great footy off the back of a dominant midfield. That midfield, minus Stef Martin and Tim English, was tested by Carlton on Sunday. With Pittonet from Carlton dominating, the Bulldogs struggled to get 1st use and their backline was put under enormous pressure. After ½ time however, the Bulldogs started to win back the midfield battle and break Carlton hearts.
Head to head - We have enjoyed a 4-1 advantage over the last 5 games, with Bulldogs winning at Adelaide Oval in 2019. This game will be 3 in a row at Adelaide Oval. The last time we played the at home was at Eureka in 2018.
Ins and outs - Another injury to Dan Houston on the weekend and a suspension on its way to Scott Lycett will further test our resolve. Many Port supporters will be hoping to see Hayes make his debut, but Port could also use Peter Ladhams who has been building form in the SANFL, although mainly as a forward. Dan Houston will be a big loss for Port, but HBF is an area of strength. Will Trent McKenzie play his 1st AFL game of 2020, or will the coaches opt to bring Bonner back in to the side. If its Bonner, lets hope Miles Bergman is pushed to HBF and Bonner is used on the Wing.
English should return against Port, but Martin is expected to miss again. The Dogs are also expected to be without Lachie Hunter due to a broken hand. Bulldogs will more than likely cover Hunter with Mitch Wallis. I have no idea who will come out for Time English, as I expect Jordan Sweet to stay in as they continue to run with 2 ruckmen.
Key Matchups – Sam Hayes vs English/Sweet. Hayes has been in tantalizing form and if selected will be key to stopping the Bulldogs midfield getting it their own way
- Clurey/Aliir/Jonas vs Naughton/Bruce/English. Ports backs were impenetrable vs the Crows, but with more pressure from the Bulldogs midfield, this will be a big test.
- Amon vs Treloar. This is one I'm interested in. They may not play head-to-head so much but both are in amazing form.
