3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2021 AFL Season.
We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
PORT ADELAIDE V WESTERN BULLDOGS
Saturday 15 May @ Adelaide Oval
The potential is there for this to be a Grand Final Preview as two very exciting and somewhat intoxicating forward lines clash in Adelaide.
With only Melbourne ahead of them both, you could get a little splintering of the chasing pack should Port Adelaide win this.
You would think there will be much greater concentration on who wins this week and how it will be played rather than prison bar worries. That was done likely knowing they held contempt for the Crows even though it was the Showdown.
Despite a close contest in that match for a while, it was never in doubt. Adelaide tried hard but after closing to within two goals in the third quarter, they couldn't maintain the rage and class told.
They have that across all lines and depth in them too. The spread of their forward set up only helps. Dixon crashing packs, Gray, Fantasia and Rozee sniping at the feet and then the big mids pushing forward with Boak, Wines and now Powell-Pepper adding to that.
There is the mix for a winning style if all stand up through to September. The backline hasn't as big a fanfare but get the job done – albeit Aliir Aliir gets plenty of headlines.
They face the Dogs who had the roller coaster ride going at Marvel on Sunday. Up early then a long way down before a six goal turnover compelled Carlton to the storylines.
They weren't at their best but when the class of Bontempelli asserts himself on the game, they can be irresistible.
32 and 10 clearances plus a goal for good measure is some game. There are a few Bulldogs who don't mind the stat-padding but he isn't one of those. He gets it going in the right direction and when you add his size for a midfielder, he is hard to miss and easily able to follow.
Josh Bruce kicking straight this year helps as that isn't always his forte and with Naughton nearby, defenders have some tough choices in their match-ups.
They could miss Lachine Hunter with his hand injury (assuming he does miss as players are going in with those nowadays) but they have plenty of mids to cover.
The Bulldogs have kicked nearly two goals a game more than Port and conceded half a goal less. Giving them around 15 start is not easy.
But given it is at the Adelaide Oval, that possible evens things up. It is important for the Power to win this one as they've fallen at a couple of hurdles against contenders. This is clearly one of those games.
Whoever wins rams a nice little stake in the ground for later in the season albeit a long way off it must be said.
Charlie Dixon has a big role in this. Many have raised red flags about the Dogs defence to which their coach has bristled. If Dixon can be a colossus and mark most entries or bring them to ground for the crumbers, it will only give them more chance and ask more questions.
Tipping he can do that if it's a nice night on the Oval.
Also Port has only averaged 54 points against in their home games this year. Not sure the Dogs can win a game kicking under ten goals.
Match Selection: Port Adelaide by 13 points
Suggested Bets: Charlie Dixon to kick 3+ goals @ $3.10
