Preview AFL Round 3 Port Adelaide V Brisbane Lions Official Thread

[weevil]

AFL Premiership Round 3
Port Adelaide V Brisbane Lions

--------- V ---------

________________________________________________________

Saturday Apr 10
AAMI Stadium 2:40 PM (Local Time) 3:10 PM (EST Time)
Adelaide Forecast Adelaide Radar


TV

All States (Live).

Qld (Live), SA (3 Hr Delay)

RADIO
Vic: SEN.
Qld: MMM, BIMA, ABC.
SA: MMM, 5AA, ABC.
WA: NIL.
NSW: NIL.
ACT: NIL.
Tas: NIL.
NT: BIMA.

Ladder:

Season Win/Loss

​

The Port Adelaide Perspective:

Originally Posted by [NAME]The Smaller Warrior[/NAME]

This is the first thread ever, with its own theme music. Press play, and read away.

[YOUTUBE]xFYQQPAOz7Y[/YOUTUBE]​

In between sculling cans of VB in an attempt to make this thread slightly more humorous, and searching Facebook for 'Women in Adelaide between 17-28 with a Picture' I have been able to write another incredibly statistical thread no doubt full of helpful and useful information.

Before you read any further, please be aware that you will definately lose brain cells by reading below this sentance. This Match Up Thread will be poorly written, spelt and will contain words in which the dictionary is yet to contain. You have been waretned.

2-0. Who would have thought? Throughout our pre-season the only ones who had us with any hope of making the Top 8 were our own supporters, and even then they had their doubts. We have had a strong pre-season followed by two good wins, though not great wins.

Both games are not without their faults, we have dropped off at points, had under-done players, and showed gaps within our team. But overall, we look like a threat to make the eight this year.

Brisbane are in a similar situation, many were unsure how their new forward line structure would actually work in their first season, and so far though they have two wins on the board are yet to be totally convincing.

Port Adelaide Injury List:
John Butcher (back) - indefinite
Robbie Gray (back/hamstring) - test
Daniel Motlop (hamstring) - 3-5 weeks
Marlon Motlop (fractured foot) - indefinite
Paul Stewart (concussion) - test
Jacob Surjan (neck) - test*
Wade Thompson (fractured eye socket) - 1-2 weeks

* this is actually false, and a total coverup. Surjan wont play this week, though will be secretly filmed doing cartwheels outside of AAMI after the game.

Brisbane Injury List:
Jed Adcock (quad) - TBC
Callum Bartlett (knee) - 2 weeks
Amon Buchanan (thumb) - 4-6 weeks
Jamie Charman (ankle) - 4 weeks
Xavier Clarke (knee) - indefinite
Mitch Golby (knee) - 2 weeks
Bart McCulloch (quad) - 4 weeks
Bryce Retzlaff (shin) - 2 weeks
Sam Sheldon (back) - 2-4 weeks

A fair few outs for both teams, though really only Gray, Motlop, Stewart, Surjan, Adcock, Clarke, Buchanan and Charman really count for anything. Gray is though, a possibility to return this week.

This game is going to be huge for both teams, I really expect this to be one of the games of the season. This is why.

Wheres Warren?

It hasnt been the best start of the season for Warren this year, but last year started in a similar fashion. His first two Rounds were rubbish in 2009, and the Big Footy Faithful were calling for his head.

In Round 3, Goliath stepped up to the plate. He kicked 6 Goals.

Trust me, this will be Warrens game.

Dynamic Duo

Much respect to these two, I predicted that they would not work well together, and they would both struggle this year. They have both looked really exciting this year, especially Brown.

Fevola has struggled slightly this year, and doesnt seem to have it down completely yet. I dont expect him to have a big game this week (infact I dont think he will goal), and I think the game is going to come down to how many goals Brown gets in comparison to Tredrea.

Michelle Banner

Who would have thought hey? Ive seen worse haircuts and faces on many an Adult Film Star, but give him a trim and a couple of years and he becomes a beast.

Not so gorgeous anymore is he?

Mitchell has had an awesome start to this year, and looks incredibly promising. Has a heap of natural talent, and his skills just keep improving. I can see him standing up again in this game, and really taking on Brisbane's midfield, and winning.

If you dont have money on this kid for the 2010 Rising Star, he might be worth a bit of a punt. His odds have gone from about $80, to now $34. Get on it before it drops further.

Bloody Gorgeous.

The one on the right isnt too bad either.

Could this be the return of Robbie? He played incredibly well early this year, and showed us pieces of what he will become this year.

We should see him rejoin his team mates this week, and in the next few weeks we also expect the return of Hamish Hartlett. Our midfield is building up to be one of the best middle-outfits in the coming years, and Gray is going to step up his game incredibly this year.

Welcome back Robbie.

Mattson Westloke.

Mattson didnt get a game last week as many perhaps expected.

With our current ruck division and their struggles last week we may see his inclusion.

Brisbane's Ruck stocks are as strong as West Coasts, and I think without an extra Ruck for a third week in a row we really may start to struggle. Either Westloke will come in, or Wacko Jacko will play more of a role in the Ruck.

The Possible Line Up's:​

Port Adelaide
B: Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Troy Chaplin
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
C: Danyle Pearce, Domenic Cassisi, Robbie Gray
HF: Matt Thomas, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Cameron Hitchcock, Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff
Foll: Dean Brogan, Travis Boak, Kane Cornes
I/C: Mattson Westloke, Mitch Banner, Tom Logan, Jason Davenport

In: Gray, Mattson Westloke
Out: Surjan, Stewart

Brisbane
B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Ashley McGrath
HB: Andrew Raines, Matt Maguire, Travis Johnstone
C: Josh Drummond, Daniel Rich, James Polkinghorne
HF: Luke Power, Jonathan Brown, Jack Redden
F: Brent Staker, Brendan Fevola, Justin Sherman
Foll: Mitch Clark, Michael Rischitelli, Simon Black
I/C: James Hawksley, Tom Rockliff, Matthew Leuenberger, Todd Banfield

In: Rockliff, Polkinghorne, Hawksley
Out: Brennan, Adcock, Stiller

The Final Spray:​

Lets make this quick, Eminem is almost finished.

I really do think this is going to be one of the best games this season. Port have a few difficult weeks ahead, and a loss could put us really behind. Brisbane have a big opportunity to win at least 3 of their 4 games after this one, putting them in the Top 4.

I have this odd feeling Fevola is going to have a strange game, I think Carlile may really dominate him this week. I can see Cornes playing on Brown, and having more of a difficult time though.

If you cast your eyes back to last year against Richmond, the great man Warren Tredrea had a blinder. This game will go in a similar fashion.

We will start off well, but they will close that gap and from that we will go almost goal for goal. They will break slightly away in the 3rd quarter, with Port slowly getting back in it early in the fourth.

Tredrea will kick the winning goal, just you watch.

Port by 4 points.

Cheers.

The Brisbane Lions Perspective:

Originally Posted by [NAME]POBT[/NAME]

The Lions and the Power meet in a top of the table clash this weekend....what year is it again?

Us

The phrase "room for improvement" probably defines rounds 1 and 2 for Brisbane. Good enough to take 8 points, not good enough to make the competition really stand up and take notice.

The room for improvement comes from several areas. Firstly, the mature recruits that have come into the side will contribute more as they settle into the structures. Not to say that they haven't been good - but, generally speaking, new players to a club play better as time goes on. Fev is leading too wide, too often. Staker isn't being used often enough on the lead. Raines is sometimes is out of place in the defensive structure. Maguire has been beaten at a few contests. None are playing badly, all will play better. That is something to look forward to.

Secondly, we've had 2 solid wins with a slow start to the season from Black, Clark and Rich. Chances are, most supporters predicted those 3 to be the mainstays of our centre square combinations this year (going some way to explaining the poor clearance work for 2010 thus far). Throw in Sherman and 4 of last year's top 6 in the B&F have played less than their best footy in the first 2 rounds. That will change.

Finally, we have a few blokes in the reserves knocking on the door for selection. Proud and Rockliff have been immense at reserves level, from all reports. Polks hasn't hit the heights of 2009 just yet but is thereabouts. A couple of stalwarts in Selwood and Stiller are on the fringes and yet have plenty of senior footy under their belts. And we have a couple of injuries to experienced players (Clarke, Buchanan, Charman) who, when they return, will add further to the squad depth. That sort of competition for places drives improved performance.

And yet, there have been some pleasant surprises as well. Banfield probably tops the list in that regard with his high energy play across half forward. As I said in another thread, I'd love to have 2 of him, such is the vital role he now plays for us in supporting the big 2 up forward. Rischitelli and Johnstone are two who'd probably only be behind Brown, Brennan and Power in B&F voting at this point and yet weren't in a lot of people's sides before round 1. They've had two very good games. And, as for our captain, we knew he could play and we knew he was feeeling good physically, but his start to the season exceeded all expectations.


Them

Whilst I freely admit to not watching much of Port in the last 12 months (and so you would be justifiably confused as to why I am writing this preview) I have picked up a couple of trends amongst the opinions of the informed and not so informed who have followed Port's early season progress.

1. Intensity and Endeavour. The 2009 version of Port Adelaide developed a pretty well justified reputation of being downhill skiiers. When the times were good, they looked a million bucks, showing immaculate skill and flair. Unfortunately, when the opposition decided to turn up the intensity and not allow Port to play like football's version of the Globetrotters, they tended to wilt. From all reports in 2010, the Port players, to their credit, have managed to turn this around. With no Burgoynes and a declining Tredrea, this side may not have the talent of past years. But I bet Williams would rather see 100% effort from the whole 22. When you see "hardness" in the same sentence as Pearce and Krakouer, you know that there has been a shift in mindset. Their tackle count has been high across 2 games and Port supporters seem very happy with the endeavour being shown.

2. Evenness. I think Port's defence is underrated (the trio of Carlyle, Chaplin and Cornes are very important). However, it lacks the real superstar power of a side like Geelong or St Kilda. Their midfield runs quite deep but again, doesn't have those really elite performers (although that may change with the development of Boak and co.). Their forward line, so long defined by Tredrea, now is a constant rotation of small/medium types that, even without Motlop, combines well enough with Tredders and a certain Richmond discard to keep the scoreboard ticking over. But, from what I can see, there's no one area of Port's game that you'd say - yep, that's a real strength. Having said that, provided their forward line continues to function, it is also hard to pinpoint a weakness as well.

Any time you beat West Coast at Subi, regardless of how the Eagles are going, you deserve kudos. Whilst Port have made an art form of beating the Eagles over the past several years, last weekend was still a good win against one of the sides who they will be in battle for a spot in the 8. I think that other clubs are starting to get a little wary of this new-look Port side. Round 2 is very early though - the test will be maintaining that intensity until September. And the Lions provide a stiff examination of a side's intensity and fitness.

The Game

I'd like to say that the midfield battle will be defining. But, given Brisbane have lost in the midfield contest in both games, and yet have taken the win both times, perhaps that little footy truism is not quite as accurate as it once was.

Last time these two teams met, Port looked a million bucks early on, with a 10 goal first quarter, only to let the finals bound Lions firstly stop the flow of goals and then kick away in the second half. It was a reflection of the 2009 Port, looking great until the opposition stepped up the intensity and pressure. The change in focus may avoid a repeat of that capitulation.

The ruck contest will be fascinating. The move to make Westhoff an onballer could be a masterstroke. There is no doubt that the likes of Clark and Ryder had an impact on the competition. By replicating (somewhat) what Dean Cox had done in past seasons, it set a new standard for rucking by effectively stating to all clubs "Cox isn't a freak - you can have this too". Westhoff, whilst nowhere near proficient in the ruck, provides that all-ground coverage that is very valuable in modern footy. Speaking of rucks, the Port big man was just about best on ground last time these two teams met. Brogan's s a little more old-fashioned than the modern prototype and will pose a very stiff test for the Lions duo with his hardness and contest of the ball.

This game will also see two sides who like to build from defence. Stopping that quick transition will be foremost on the minds of the coaching staff. Brisbane gain so much thrust from the likes of Drummond, Raines and McGrath. Similarly, the Port defenders look to rebound and attack at every opportunity. After his performance against Carlton, I would not be surprised to see Drummond tagged, perhaps with Kane Cornes. Raines, McGrath and, if he comes up, Adcock, will have their hands full with the Port small/medium defenders with Ebert returning to his best, and several other avenues for goal opening up. Merrett and Maguire will take whichever talls Port send forward (presumably Tredrea and Schulz) and will also look to get over to help the smaller defenders at every opportunity.

Port's defence will match up quite well against Brisbane's forward line. You'd imagine Carlyle will go to Fev, Chaplin to Brown and Cornes to Staker. How the 3 Port defenders combine to stop that trio will go along way to deciding the contest.

In short, Brisbane should have Port's number in this contest. But Brisbane have been far from top notch whilst Port will have their tails up after a good win last weekend. If this was at the Gabba, I'd be supremely confident. Going south certainly evens up the contest (although a longer break between games will help freshen the Lions up). Brisbane have more "top liners" in their side with Brown, Fevola, Black, Power and Clark all among the better players in the comp while not a single Port player was named in Mike Sheahan's top 50 this year (for what that is worth). But Port look to have become a side which will try and out-compete the opposition to pick up their wins. A bit like North of a few years ago, they are the type of side which will spring surprises on good sides. Brisbane, away from home for the first time this year, will want to be on their guard.

Prediction

Brisbane by 4 goals.

 

[mpal6]

Thanks for the preview POBT.

I posted this on Carlton game thread, but would be more relevant here.

I watched a bit of Port yesterday to see how they are going at present. I watched only the first 2 quarters, but looking at the scoreline, looks like west coast came back and they had a close game.

They appear to have a 4 small forward setup with Ebert, Banner, Davenport and Hitchcock. The Hitchcock kid was pretty good, seems to know when to get to the right places, could be a headache for us. It was interesting to note their small forwards were instructed to stay in F50, even when West Coast defenders kept pushing up to assist with zoning.

Tredrea and Jay Schulz played the key position but both were hovering around the 50m arc and Port were relying on fast break from their small forwards to kick the goals.

Not sure Maguire has a match up to be honest. Patfull going to Schulz and Merrett to Tredrea. Need some nippy back men to control Port next week.

Hawksley Merrett Raines
Hanley Patfull McGrath

With Drummond starting off in the wing and pushing back looks good to me.

Their back line had Carlile and Chaplin as the main defenders with Chad Cornes as the third man up. Staker has his work cut out, to keep Cornes quiet for next week.

Going by what I saw against Eagles, it will be a crowded F50 with less space for Brown and Fevola to operate. Eagles kept making the mistake of bombing it long to a flooded forward line and making it easy for Port to mark.

Did we go head to head with Danyle Pearce matchup or used a shut down player last time ? He looked pretty good in the wing yesterday. May be Rischitelli or Redden (not sure if he has the pace) to him.

Brogan/Westhoff Vs Clark/Leuenberger. Westhoff still has that bean pole frame, Rucks need to watch out and not give away that many frees. He appears to go to ground very easily. He doesn't appear to fake it, he's so thin compared to the other ruckman. Any ruck wrestle with him where he gets thrown around, makes it look worse than what it is. Worsfold was trying to take advantage of it, Playing both Cox and Naitanui at the same time.

 

[borrat]

the game is actually saturday afternoon not saturday night

 

[weevil]

the game is actually saturday afternoon not saturday night

Yup will fix in a bit.

 

[lionshine]

Great preview POBT Adcock gets his scans today. Gee I hope he gets up for this game. We really need him, Raines, Ash and Drummo to control Davenport, Hitchcock, Ebert and Banner! However I wouldn't mind having Patful play on Ebert or Davenport and push Drummond up the ground. Merret to take Tredrea and Magurie Schulz or vise versa.

Lions by 3 goals in a great game! Can't wait.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSS

Cheers LS!

 

[Axel.]

Great preview POBT. Black will probably be quiet as per usual against K.Cornes. Hopefully we bring in Rockliff.

 

[Jorgo]

Will more than likely be the first Lions match I will miss this year. Footy commitments ruin Saturday arvo games for me.

Always concerning playing Port @ AAMI. Think the clearance issue for us will be a factor regardless of the fact we've won after losing there in the previous two. I just think there is an element of "home ground advantage" despite people these days seeming to think it's getting to dead and buried. If we're behind and losing clearances badly @ AAMI I just think it'll be harder for us to lift again than if it was @ The Gabba.

Having said that if we're losing the clearances early due to continuing to blood our younger mids in the middle and then switch to our A-team it could be a moot point as that'd give us a real kick.

Will be interesting to see how Brownvola will go in their first away game for the year.

 

[Grimreepah]

Link

The (hamstring) tear will sideline Motlop for at least the next two matches, against the Brisbane Lions at AAMI Stadium on Saturday and premier Geelong at Skilled Stadium in Round 4.

The news is better on highly-rated midfielder Robbie Gray. His back-related hamstring soreness has eased in recent days and the club is hopeful he will play his first game of the season against the Lions.

 

[Lionfan17]

Got me some free tickets from Craig Mcrae

Lions by 4-5 goals if we come to play.
However if the frontrunners get a good start, we may be in trouble.

 

[whatboutbob]

Worm brings up his ton this week.

 

[Offsider]

Great preview POBT, Lions should win this more even over the ground, we did well on Carltons small forwards last week, and a similar effort is needed this week.

Lions by 23.

 

[Dylan12]

A real danger game for mine, especially if Jars misses and with Jed sidelined through injury.

Port have been a real surprise packet for mine and obviously been travelling along beautifully through the NAB Cup and first two games.

 

[Grimreepah]

IMO:

OUT: Brennan, Adcock, Stiller
IN: Rockliff, Polkinghorne, Hawksley

 

[Jorgo]

IMO:

OUT: Brennan, Adcock, Stiller
IN: Rockliff, Polkinghorne, Hawksley

I like the sounds of that too. Just wondering if Polks has done enough? Mainstay last year might get him over the line I guess...

 

[Axel.]

IMO:

OUT: Brennan, Adcock, Stiller
IN: Rockliff, Polkinghorne, Hawksley

+1

I would personally play Polkinghorne as a leading forward not as a midfielder just to stretch their defense and make one of Ports defenders to push up the ground which gives Brown and Fev more space in the forward line.

 

[_hyphy]

Last time we played Port a AAM we were torn to shreds at the stoppages. Think it was Rodan who singlehandedly pantsed us.

Gray is a big in for Port and I too would like to see Grim's inclusions. Polks adds another hard body around the contests, whilst Hawskley's defesive work overshadows Stiller's negating abilities IMO. Rockliff jus demands selection.

Very keen to see if there is any improvement with our clearences, could be a telling game for our coaching staff.

 

[Grimreepah]

I like the sounds of that too. Just wondering if Polks has done enough? Mainstay last year might get him over the line I guess...

He got a bit of a mention in round 1. Not sure about last week.

The pecking order is still uncertain, so there are actually a quite a few players that I wouldn't be surprised to get a gig.

Also I wonder how much focus will be on addressing our inability to win the ball at the stoppages. There may be a priority on bringing in an extra hard nut, eg. Selwood/Proud/Harwood.

 

[Dylan12]

It's official...Brennan accepts one game ban.

Link

It is an absolute understatement, but what a massive loss to the side...good opportunity though for somebody else.

 

[weevil]

IMO:

OUT: Brennan, Adcock, Stiller
IN: Rockliff, Polkinghorne, Hawksley

Does Hawksley have a tank? Has he ever played as a tagger?

 

[Dylan12]

Does Hawksley have a tank? Has he ever played as a tagger?

I wouldn't have thought Hawksley would have a bigger tank than say Selwood. I personally would prefer Selwood as one of the ins, even at the expense of Stiller or replacement for Brennan/Adcock. I am an unabashed fan of Selwood's and if he can offer anything similar to last year's form, then I would bring him in to assist in the middle and provide coverage down back.

 

[pauldrc]

Maybe Proud in for some more grunt....

 

[Lions1024]

Does Hawksley have a tank? Has he ever played as a tagger?

Who would Stiller tag anyways? Boak? Pearce?

Boak and Pearce are both more suited to a match up with Power/Black/Rich to make them accountable. I don't think there is a candidate for a tag in this game.

We would be better off playing Hawksley as a small defender on Banner or Hitchcock then playing Stiller on a midfielder. This would release Drummond into the midfielder.

Another out i'm expecting is Goose Maguire. Theres no match up for him. Patfull will go on Schultz while Merrett will go on Tredrea. I say replace him with Proud ho will give us that hardness and intensity at the clearances.

 

[weevil]

I wouldn't have thought Hawksley would have a bigger tank than say Selwood. I personally would prefer Selwood as one of the ins, even at the expense of Stiller or replacement for Brennan/Adcock. I am an unabashed fan of Selwood's and if he can offer anything similar to last year's form, then I would bring him in to assist in the middle and provide coverage down back.

Yeah but i think Selwood is still finding his way back from injury and is not yet ready for primetime.

 

[Beausgirl43]

IMO:

OUT: Brennan, Adcock, Stiller
IN: Rockliff, Polkinghorne, Hawksley

I like it alot.

 

[Beausgirl43]

Worm brings up his ton this week.

This too.