SUMMARY
After three straight wins to start the season, this suddenly becomes a big game for the Power as they look to rebound from last Sunday's loss to Essendon. To do that, they'll need to overturn a horror record against Geelong, having won just one of their past 14 meetings. The Power will persist with Dougal Howard, Charlie Dixon and Justin Westhoff in the ruck in the absence of All Australian big man Paddy Ryder. Robbie Gray is back to his brilliant best in the midfield, while Ollie Wines and Brad Ebert provide the grunt. The battle with Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola will be one to watch. The Cats' young defenders have stood up, with Jack Henry, Jake Kolodjashnij and Zach Guthrie holding their own, while the pace and class of Brandan Parfitt is a sight to behold. This is an extremely important game for both sides as they aim to keep building momentum.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, April 21, 7.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2017, Geelong 11.15 (81) d Port Adelaide 11.13 (79) at GMHBA Stadium
R5, 2016, Geelong 16.11 (107) d Port Adelaide 8.11 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R11, 2015, Geelong 14.8 (92) d Port Adelaide 11.3 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2014, Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) d Geelong 9.13 (67) at Adelaide Oval
2SF, 2013, Geelong 13.18 (96) d Port Adelaide 12.8 (80) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Cats superstar Patrick Dangerfield booted the match-winning goal with less than two minutes on the clock when the two sides met in round 10 last year. The Cats had 72 more disposals, 19 more marks, laid 16 more tackles and had 14 more inside 50s.
2. Both teams have struggled to get lots of attacking opportunities. The Power are ranked 10th in the League for inside 50s, ahead of the Cats, who are 15th.
3. The Power will need to turn around a recent dismal record against the Cats if they're to get the four premiership points. They've lost 13 of the past 14 meetings with the Cats, with their most recent victory coming in round six, 2014.
4. One of the Cats' strengths this season has been their ability to take contested marks. They are ranked second in the competition with an average of 12.5 per game, a long way ahead of the last-placed Power with 5.8 per game.
5. Adelaide Oval doesn't hold any significant fears for the Cats. They've won three of their six games at the ground, including two out of three against the Power.
6. Dangerfield has lost top spot in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The 2016 Brownlow medallist is back to No.2 overall, having been surpassed by last year's Brownlow winner, Richmond superstar Dustin Martin.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Lively Irishman Zach Tuohy, who plays his 150th game, has become an integral part of the Cats' defence. His run and carry off half-back gets the Cats moving up the field, while his experience is vital given the injuries the Cats have had to their defensive stocks.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 14 points.
