AFL Preview Round 14: Power v Demons

Port Adelaide v Melbourne
Fri 7:50pm at Adelaide Oval

What an exciting clash we have in store for us on Friday night, with the Power taking on the Demons at Adelaide Oval- in a match that is crucial for both sides. Just percentage splits the two teams on the ladder, and a loss here would be a dent to any Top 4 aspirations- particularly for Melbourne, who have a very healthy percentage thanks to a couple of huge blow-outs. They come into this on the back of the bye, and will be desperate to recapture some of the form that saw them win 6 in a row before they were humbled by the Pies. Standing in their way will be an electric Power outfit that has looked very impressive over the past fortnight at home- including an impressive win over the reigning Premiers. Both sides play exciting brands of footy, and either way punters are in for a treat come Friday!

Form

Port Adelaide (WWLWW) – After a disappointing fade-out against Hawthorn 3 weeks ago that saw them lose by 3 points in Tassie, the Power have looked sensational in comfortable wins over Richmond and the Bulldogs at home. Charlie Dixon has FINALLY kicked some goals (albeit still just 4 in 2 matches), while Paddy Ryder and Justin Westhoff have been quietly going about their business and leading by example. The freshly re-signed Ollie Wines has averaged 32 disposals, 8 tackles, 6.5 clearances, 8.5 inside 50’s and 137 Fantasy Points over the past fortnight, showing exactly why Port want him as their next captain, and they fact he and his fellow midfielders have finally hit a sweet spot means Robbie Gray can spend most of his time up forward, where he is one of the most dangerous players in the comp.

Melbourne (WWWWL) – The Dees were absolutely flying before the Magpies brought them crashing back to earth in the Queen’s Birthday game, where they were convincingly beaten by 42 points- failing to deal with frenetic Pies pressure and the giant human that is Mason Cox. Despite the backline looking a little vulnerable, Tom McDonald continues to prove why he is one of the form forward/wingman in the league right now- averaging 18 disposals and 3.6 goals per game this year despite coming off an injury-hampered preseason. Between he and Jesse Hogan, it’s almost impossible to shut them down completely, such is their versatility. 

Stats That Matter– Melbourne have won the last two meetings
– Port are 4-2 ATS at home this season
– Tom Rockliff averages 109 Fantasy Points per game against Melbourne
– Melbourne have had 100+ points in 8 of 12 matches this year
– Clayton Oliver is averaging 31 disposals and 111 Fantasy Points per game in his last 5 matches
– 5 of the last 6 Demons games have gone Overs
– Charlie Dixon has been the first goalscorer in the last 2 games
– The Demons have covered the spread in 6 of their past 7 matches

Betting Data

2018 Line: Port Adelaide- 6-6; Melbourne- 8-4

2018 Over-Under: Port Adelaide- 4-8; Melbourne- 7-5

What To Expect

The Wolf cannot wait for this clash! He is expecting a thrilling encounter, with so much on the line for both sides in this game. Momentum is a priceless commodity in footy, and the Power have it in spades at the moment- which gives them the edge in this clash. The fact this game is in Adelaide is massive for the Power and they should get off to a fast start and be too good for the Dees in a tight one.

How It’s Shaping UpPort Adelaide by 9

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Port Adelaide 1-39 ($2.10)
Value Bet: Ollie Wines 120+ Fantasy Points ($3.85)
Player Prop: TBC
First Goalscorer: Todd Marshall