Port Adelaide v Richmond

Preview: Port Adelaide v Richmond

By Adam McNicol 12:15pm September 3, 14

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THIS is the most unexpected match-up in the first week of the finals. Midway through the season Port Adelaide was two games clear on top of the ladder while Richmond was scrapping away with the cellar-dwellers. How times have changed since then. The Power have slipped out of the top four and the Tigers have gone on a remarkable nine-game winning run. Now they meet in a sudden-death battle at Adelaide Oval. Richmond will take plenty of confidence out of its win over Port in early July, but the big question is whether the Tigers have much petrol left in their tank.





WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday September 7, 2.50pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

THIS YEAR
R17, 2014, Richmond 19.12 (126) d Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at Etihad Stadium
The Tigers went into the game as underdogs, but they scored an impressive upset victory. First-year player Sam Lloyd led the way up forward with three goals, while defender Troy Chaplin booted two vital majors against his former club. Travis Boak

PREVIOUS FIVE ENCOUNTERS
R17, 2014, Richmond 19.12 (126) d Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, Richmond 18.6 (114) d Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) at AAMI Stadium
R23, 2012, Richmond 16.10 (106) drew with Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at the MCG
R6, 2012, Richmond 13.13 (91) d Port Adelaide 8.6 (54) at AAMI Stadium
R10, 2011, Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) d Richmond 10.14 (74) at TIO Stadium

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KEY MATCH-UPS
Alex Rance v Jay Schulz
Rance has been among Richmond's most consistent players this season, and he was a brilliant performer in last weekend's win over the Sydney Swans. He will need to keep his former teammate quiet if the Tigers are to keep Port to a manageable score.
Ivan Maric v Matthew Lobbe
The Tigers have been a different side since Maric returned from the ankle injury that sidelined him early in the season, while Lobbe has had a brilliant year and is a chance to be the All Australian ruckman. With top-class midfields at their feet, both Maric and Lobbe will have the ability to influence the game in a big way.
was easily the Power’s best player. He finished with 39 disposals and a goal.

MEDICAL ROOM
Port Adelaide The Power couldn't be better placed, with Aaron Young (foot, test) the only player under any injury cloud other than those with long-term injuries. Matt White (groin) has been deemed fit to play.
Richmond The Tigers are in a similar boat, with the vast majority of the list fit and available for selection. The club didn't pick up any injuries last week and will field a full-strength side against the Power.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY WIN? They'll play an away semi-final against the loser of the Sydney Swans/Fremantle clash.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY LOSE? It's do or die for both teams on Sunday; lose and their season will end.

THE SIX POINTS
1. Since round 15 Richmond has won nine consecutive matches, kicking an average score of 90 points while conceding only 68. In contrast, Port Adelaide has lost six of nine games while averaging only 81 points a game.

2. The Tigers will be looking for their first finals wins since the 2001 semi-final against Carlton. They haven't won an elimination final since 1977.

3. Port Adelaide was the number one inside 50 side during the home and away season, averaging 56.5 a game. Richmond was ranked eighth, averaging 50.6 a game.

4. Port Adelaide will be playing in its ninth finals series and won both its two previous elimination finals (2005, 2013). This is the first time the Power have reached consecutive finals series since 2004-05.

5. Since 2007 the fifth placed team has been upset by eighth only twice: Adelaide lost to Collingwood in 2008 and Richmond lost to Carlton in 2013.

6. Solid form from Richmond backman Alex Rance has him ranked as the fourth best key defender in the League according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. Geelong's Harry Taylor is ranked No. 1.

Prediction: Port Adelaide by 25 points