Head to head: Port Adelaide 12 wins, Essendon six wins
Last time: Port Adelaide 24.14 (158) d Essendon 15.4 (94), round seven, 2008 at Docklands
FORM
Port Adelaide: Pre-season form – three wins, one loss
Essendon: Pre-season form – two wins, two losses
SUMMARY
Neither club made the finals last year but expectations have grown over the summer months. Essendon finished 12th in 2008 and Port Adelaide was 13th, but the Power have already been mooted as this season's biggest improver.
For Port Adelaide, wholesale changes came on and off the field and players emerged from pre-season training bigger, stronger and ready to implement a fast-paced game plan designed to suit their abilities.
For Port Adelaide, wholesale changes came on and off the field and players emerged from pre-season training bigger, stronger and ready to implement a fast-paced game plan designed to suit their abilities.
Veterans Brendon Lade, Peter Burgoyne and Chad Cornes, who were down on form last year, appear to have rediscovered touch and there’s much upside to youngsters Travis Boak, Nathan Krakouer, Robbie Gray and rookie Wade Thompson.
Essendon fans also have reason for optimism after witnessing the side’s dramatic turn in the second half of last season. Matthew Knights overcame a sluggish start to his coaching career by leading his Bombers to six wins between rounds 12 and 18.
A leaky defence prevented more victories, but the emergence of Kyle Reimers, David Myers and Jay Neagle suggested Essendon will be on the rise again over the next few years.
KEY MATCH-UP
Brendon Lade v David Hille
The ruckmen are coming off contrasting seasons. It seemed 32-year-old Lade's best football was behind him when he was dropped mid-year, while best-and-fairest winner Hille continued to present as one of the premier big men in the league. With Jason Laycock injured, Hille will shoulder much of the ruck load again this week but will have some support from young Tom Bellchambers. Their aim is to also nullify Dean Brogan, the Power's second onball option.
WILDCARDS
Port Adelaide – Nathan Krakouer
Over the past month, Krakouer has been a stand-out in his new, Peter Burgoyne-like role across half-back. The West Australian was troubled by injury and homesickness in his second year at Alberton, but appears ready to contribute in 2009.
Essendon – Andrew Lovett
Lovett was trade bait five months ago but was one of Essendon’s best performers throughout the pre-season competition. There’s no doubting the 26-year-old’s talent and, with the right application, he could be invaluable against the pace and skill of the Port Adelaide midfield.
QUESTION MARKS
Can Port Adelaide deliver on its pre-season promise? The Power have had four months to get it right after a disappointing 2008 and, from all reports, are fitter and stronger than ever. Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd has touted Mark Williams' charges as genuine top-four contenders, but can they live up to the hype in their first game of the season?
Does Knights have the depth to cover injuries to key players? The Bombers struggled to field enough for end-to-end kicking drills early in the pre-season and some woes have continued. Midfield pair Mark McVeigh and Andrew Welsh will miss, as will Laycock and the enigmatic Reimers. Promising trio Henry Slattery, Myers and Scott Gumbleton also remain in doubt.
BLUFFER'S GUIDE
Essendon looked to fly in the second half of last season before a cruel run of injuries decimated its young squad. Port Adelaide also limped over the line after chucking in its finals hopes mid-season and now looks better for the concession.
The Power have a full-strength squad to choose from and should sustain their impressive pre-season form with a win at home on Sunday.
PREDICTION
Port Adelaide by 37 points
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
