Port Adelaide will want to snap a two-game losing streak and get back to a positive win-loss ledger when they host Carlton for some Friday night footy at Adelaide Oval.
Port were this season’s early surprise packet, taking a shock win over Sydney in Sydney in Round 1, before demolishing Fremantle at home in Round 2.
They’ve since copped losses to both the Adelaide Crows and the GWS Giants, but didn’t dishonour themselves with their performance in either.
Given those are probably the two best teams in the comp right now in the eyes of many, it doesn’t take much away from the Power that they couldn’t beat either – it’s just bad luck they played them back-to-back.
This week is a much easier assignment, Carlton, who have a single win from four games to date.
The Blues are playing decent football when you consider their team and list situation – they’re playing the kids, but they seemed well coached and have quality defensive ability.
What they haven’t developed yet is consistency across four quarters or any real attacking strength – and as seen in their loss to Gold Coast last week, they’re still vulnerable against a high-quality key forward.
Port Adelaide don’t have a forward with the pedigree of Tom J Lynch but they do have Lynch’s old partner in crime, Charlie Dixon.
He could certainly kick a bag this week if Port dominate in the way they look likely too – $2.40 to kick four goals looks like decent value, or $4 to kick five even.
Carlton won only one game outside Victoria last year and a win in Adelaide looks well off their pace, however with their well-drilled defensive ability they may be able to restrict the margin somewhat.
$1.13 for Port Adelaide to win isn’t much value, but $2.40 for the Power to win by 1-39 points looks a strong possibility.