When and Where:
Sunday, August 13 at 4:10pm CST/4:40pm AEST
Adelaide Oval | Kaurna Country
What it Means for the GIANTS:
After their club-record seven-game winning streak was snuffed out by the Swans on Saturday, the GIANTS will look to rebound from their first defeat in two months as they face a fired-up Power side on their home deck.
The tough 11-point loss to the Swans bumped the GIANTS down to 8th spot on the AFL ladder as they look to fight off a rabid chasing pack and book themselves a spot in September with just three rounds remaining.
In one of the tightest seasons in recent memory, just two games separate 5th placed Carlton and 13th placed Richmond, with the GIANTS sitting in the middle of a logjam of sides battling it out for a finals spot.
If the GIANTS lose to the Power they could remarkably fall as low as 13th at the conclusion of the round if Geelong, Sydney, Adelaide and Essendon were all to win their games this weekend.
Last Time We Met:
It’s been over a year since the two sides clashed but the GIANTS will need a much-improved outing this time around if they’re any chance to remain in the top eight on the eve of finals.
Last time the sides clashed, in round 17 last season, the Power restricted the GIANTS to their lowest score of the season en route to a convincing 12.12 (84) to 3.11 (29) victory at Adelaide Oval.
The home side burst out of the blocks, racing out to a 38-point half time lead before limiting the GIANTS to just a single second-half goal to register a clinical 55-point win.
Power star Connor Rozee was a standout for the winners, collecting 24 disposals and kicking four goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Zak Butters (26 disposals) and Sam Powell-Pepper (25 disposals, 10 marks, a goal) were also huge contributors for the Power.
For the GIANTS, vice-captain Stephen Coniglio (32 disposals, 7 clearances, 5 tackles) played his part alongside the smooth-moving Josh Kelly (27 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 clearances).
Jesse Hogan was the GIANTS most productive forward, gathering 16 disposals, nine marks and two goals.
Where’s the opposition at?
While the GIANTS had been in the spotlight for all the right reasons prior to Saturday’s loss to the Swans, the Power has been on struggle street as they battle to overcome a host of depleting injuries.
After starting the season 14-2, the undermanned Power has now lost four straight games to fall from second to fourth in a dour stretch ahead of September.
Remarkably, Port Adelaide could be bumped out of the top four by season’s end they fail to win any of their final three games against the GIANTS, Fremantle (Optus Stadium), and Richmond (Adelaide Oval).
Ken Hinkley's side will enter Sunday’s clash on the back of losses to Carlton, Collingwood, Adelaide and Geelong.
In their most recent loss to the Cats, midfield stars Zak Butters (30 disposals, one goal) and Connor Rozee (27 touches) were brilliant for Port while Willie Rioli (four goals) and Sam Powell-Pepper (three goals) were strong up forward.
Port Adelaide’s availability could play a major role against the GIANTS this weekend, with the Power making six forced changes last weekend due to injury and illness.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Despite being sidelined for almost a month, GIANTS star Tom Green picked up exactly where he left off against the Swans on Saturday night, collecting an equal career-high 38 disposals at GIANTS Stadium.
The 22-year-old midfielder has proven to be a vital cog in the GIANTS' midfield this season, leading the GIANTS in disposals with a career-best average of 31.6 touches to go along with nearly six tackles and six clearances per game.
The big-bodied midfielder, who is sure to be in discussion for a debut All Australian spot, will need to be at his best again if the GIANTS are to cut off the Power in Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS have a selection dilemma on their hands with their best two small forward pressure players both missing through suspension.
Toby Bedford, on the back of an impressive 14-disposal, eight tackles, one goal game, and Brent Daniels, will both watch from the sidelines against the Power after being dealt one-match bans for a respective tackle and a high bump.
Their omission opens the door for a number of strong VFL performers, with Conor Stone (12 disposals, 2 goals), Toby McMullin (17 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 clearances), and Aaron Cadman (11 disposals, 3 goals) all impressing on the weekend.
James Peatling could also come into contention after a strong block of form in the VFL.
Emerging midfielder Finn Callaghan is listed as a test to return this week after being a late withdrawal against the Swans due to an Achilles complaint.
The GIANTS will name their squad for Sunday’s clash at 6:20pm on Thursday and the final team at 5pm on Friday at gwsgiants.com.au.
VFL Round 21:
Northern Bullants v GIANTS
Saturday, August 12 at 12:05pm
Genis Steel Oval | Wurundjeri Country
The VFL team will be named at 6pm on Friday night at gwsgiants.com.au.
AFLW Match Simulation
Port Adelaide v GIANTS
Saturday, August 12 at 10am CST
Alberton Oval | Kaurna Country
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide here.
Where to watch:
Sunday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on Channel 7 in NSW and the ACT from 4:00pm CST/4:30pm AEST
