SUMMARY
Adelaide Oval holds no fear for the Eagles ahead of Saturday night's elimination final against the Power. The Eagles have won five of their six games at the venue, including a victory over the Power in round seven this year. However, the Power turned the tables on the Eagles in Perth in round 17. The Power won three straight to end the season, while the Eagles squeezed Melbourne out of the top eight on percentage courtesy of their amazing win over minor premier Adelaide on the last day of the season. The Eagles will be looking to make the most of their unexpected opportunity.
• Heading to the finals? Don't miss a moment
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, September 9, 7.20pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?
Round seven: West Coast 15.7 (97) d Port Adelaide 12.15 (87) at Adelaide Oval
The Eagles' defence held up under the weight of 29 more inside 50s (68 to 39) to the Power to secure the four premiership points. Veteran forward Mark LeCras booted four goals for the visitors, while the Power paid for their inaccuracy in front of the big sticks.
Round 16: Port Adelaide 18.12 (120) d West Coast 13.10 (88) at Domain Stadium
Big performances from ruckman Paddy Ryder and key forward Charlie Dixon (five goals) led the Power to a vital victory in the west. It was just the Power's second win over a top-eight opponent this season.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2017, Port Adelaide 18.12 (120) d West Coast 13.10 (88) at Domain Stadium
R7, 2017, West Coast 15.7 (97) d Port Adelaide 12.15 (87) at Adelaide Oval
R9, 2016, West Coast 14.10 (94) d Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2015, West Coast 11.12 (78) d Port Adelaide 10.8 (68) at Adelaide Oval
R5, 2014, Port Adelaide 10.10 (70) d West Coast 7.14 (56) at Domain Stadium
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Port Adelaide
1. Evergreen veteran Justin Westhoff is the Power's Mr Fix-It. While he will start on the wing, don't be surprised to see him deployed as the loose man in defence if the Eagles get away to a quick start.
2. The Power can throw Robbie Gray into the midfield to make an impact if they're in trouble. Gray has played predominantly as a deep forward, but is very damaging winning the ball in tight.
3. With Tom Jonas (suspended) and Jack Hombsch (hip) on the sidelines, Tom Clurey is likely to get the big job on Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy. But the Power won't be afraid to test out young utility Dougal Howard if Kennedy gets on top early.
West Coast
1. Expect the Eagles to drop a player back and snap up loose kicks from the Power. Defender Tom Barrass collected nine marks when the Eagles beat the Power at Adelaide Oval in round seven.
2. The Eagles' midfielders need to steal the taps from Power ruckman Paddy Ryder, who should have the edge with his athleticism on Nathan Vardy.
3. The Eagles need to try and isolate Josh Kennedy one on one in the attacking 50. The Power has an undersized backline with Jonas and Hombsch unavailable.
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide’s win in round 16 ended a three-game losing streak against the Eagles. West Coast has won six of their nine contests since 2011.
2. The Power finished the season as the No.1 team for inside 50s, with 59.3 per game. The Eagles were ranked 11th, with 49.9 per game.
3. Adelaide Oval is a home away from home for the Eagles. They've won five out of six games there and are undefeated in three meetings with the Power.
4. The Power can certainly attack, ranked second behind only the Crows with 98 points per game. The Eagles average 89 points per game this season.
5. It's been 10 years since the Power and Eagles met in the finals, Port Adelaide winning that qualifying final in 2007 by three points. The Eagles have lost three of four finals in Adelaide.
6. Eagles midfielder Luke Shuey has improved to 16th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, his highest ranking since round five this year. He's the second highest-ranked player on the ground behind the Power's Robbie Gray, ranked ninth.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY
Ken Hinkley: "We've had a couple years where we haven't been able to do exactly what we'd like to do and play finals. Hopefully, we'll show that we've missed them."
Adam Simpson: "When you get to these games and these finals, you need to play your brand and play it as well as you can. You're aware of the opposition, but you've got to play at your best as a team."
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Darling
The Eagles forward will line up for his 150th game, needing to provide support to spearhead Josh Kennedy. Darling has kicked just three goals in his past three games, but did take seven marks against Adelaide in round 23. He needs to take advantage of the Power's inexperienced backline and be a strong second tall target inside the Eagles' attacking 50 alongside Kennedy.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by eight points
