Port Adelaide need to get their season back on the rails, and to do so they must beat Collingwood, who are out of finals contention but enjoying playing the role of the spoiler in recent weeks.
Port have been one of the better sides in the league this year as their percentage, the second-highest in the comp, will attest.
However, they just haven’t been very good at beating the teams in the top half of the competition.
Of the current top eight teams, Sydney are the only one they’ve beaten, and that came back in Round 1 when the Swans were woefully out of form.
Last week their failing in that regard was rubbed in by an 84-point caning from their crosstown rivals Adelaide.
They’ve gone only one win from their last three matches and that was by only two points against St Kilda.
Collingwood on the other hand seem to be relishing playing footy without the pressure of trying to make finals.
Their season ended a little while ago but it hasn’t stopped them winning three of their last four and drawing the other.
Even three straight wins to close the season wouldn’t help them from here, so it’s all about momentum for next year.
Last week’s result was a comfortably nine-goal win over the North Melbourne Kangaroos.
Port have made some significant changes this week. All of Aaron Young, Angus Monfries and Jackson Trengove have been dropped, Jack Hombsch will miss through injury and Sam Powell-Pepper is being managed.
Chad Wingard is back, but the other inclusions aren’t super inspiring – Dan Houston, Dougal Howard, Jake Neade and Brendon Ah Chee.
Collingwood have lost Brodie Grundy to suspension, and two former Roos are out injured – Daniel Wells and Levi Greenwood.
Mason Cox, Callum Brown and James Aish come in.
With those outs, Collingwood’s winning streak likely comes to an end here. $3 for Port Adelaide to win by 40+ looks like good value as the Power will look to make a statement.
—
Do you have a CrownBet account? If not, get one just here.
Here’s 4 good reasons to get a CrownBet account:
1. Daily Promotions for Horse Racing AND Sport so you can get a better run for your money
2. The best Rewards program in the industry – every bet you make brings you closer to a Bonus Bet
3. AFL matches streamed live through the App so you won’t miss your horses run or a minute of your team’s game.
4. Access your winnings immediately using the CrownBet VISA Card