When and Where:
Port Adelaide v GIANTS
Saturday, September 16 at 7:10pm CST/7:40pm EST
Adelaide Oval | Kaurna Country
What it Means for the GIANTS:
The GIANTS are riding a wave of momentum into Saturday’s clash with the Power in Adelaide after winning 10 of their past 12 matches, including a new club-record seven straight wins in that stretch.
The GIANTS booked themselves a clash with the Power after seeing off St Kilda in impressive fashion in last week’s second elimination final at the MCG.
Off the back of a five goal to two opening term, the GIANTS silenced the Saints and their home crowd to register a comfortable 24-point win in front of 68, 465 fans at the ‘G.
As well as keeping their flag hopes alive, the MCG-victory saw the GIANTS enter the record books as the first AFL club ever to register wins at 11 different venues in a single AFL season.
Adding to that, the GIANTS have now won eight of their 14 games on the road this season - the most of any club in the AFL.
Not surprisingly, skipper Toby Greene has been crucial to his side’s road success, tallying 25 goals in the eight road wins.
Adding further motivation to Saturday night’s clash with the Power, popular GIANT Daniel Lloyd will play his 100th game in the semi-final showdown.
After announcing last month that season 2023 will be his last, a loss against the Power would draw the curtain on the 31-year-old’s AFL career, while a win would place him one step closer to a fairytale retirement.
Last Time We Met:
It was a dour affair for the GIANTS the last time the two side’s clashed, with the Power shaking off its rusty form to record an impressive 21.10 (136) to 13.7 (85) victory at Adelaide Oval in round 22.
After having lost four straight matches, the Power surged back into form with a blistering seven-goal opening term on their way to a convincing 51-point win.
Power midfielders Zak Butters (34 touches), Jason Horne-Francis (27 and three goals), Connor Rozee (29 touches) and Ollie Wines (29 touches and a goal) all starred in the big win, while Willie Rioli, Miles Bergman and Todd Marshall kicked three goals apiece.
Tom Green (31 touches, two goals) was prolific for the GIANTS while skipper Toby Greene was injected into the midfield where he finished with 27 touches and 2.2 in the tough loss.
In good news for the GIANTS, dynamic small forward duo Brent Daniels and Toby Bedford both missed the round 22 clash but are raring to go for Adam Kingsley’s side in the cut-throat semi-final on Saturday.
Where’s the Opposition at?
Despite injuries to several key players the Power were able to finish the home and away season inside the top four to give themselves the all-important double chance.
That second chance comes in handy on Saturday against the GIANTS following the Power’s 48-point loss to Brisbane in last week’s qualifying final at the Gabba.
While Port Adelaide showed signs of its best footy in the loss to the Lions, surging in the third term to trail by just nine points, the home side found its roar when challenged to run away with a comfortable eight-goal win.
Back home in front of an expected sold-out crowd at Adelaide Oval, the Power will be looking to bounce back to their ruthless best in Saturday’s semi-final as they look to put an end to the Orange Tsunami’s premiership aspirations.
The Power will be hoping a number of their guns can continue to fire on Saturday, with Zak Butters (29 touches, seven tackles), Connor Rozee (28 touches, a goal), and Dan Houston (27 touches, four clearances) all strong contributors in the loss to the Lions.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Dashing defender Lachie Whitfield continues to have one of the most underrated seasons across the competition.
After averaging 26 touches per game across his first 18 matches of the season -ranking him elite amongst the competition - the former number one pick has elevated his game to another level in the past month, averaging 30 disposals, five rebound-50s, four inside-50s, and 518 metres gained across that stretch.
In last week’s win over the Saints, the 2018 All Australian and two-time club champion finished with 31 touches (at 81 per cent efficiency), seven inside-50s, four rebound-50s, and 518m gained in another starring performance.
With their season on the line, the GIANTS will be hoping Whitfield can continue his sizzling form against the Power on Saturday night.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS are set to be bolstered by a huge inclusion to take on the Power, with vice-captain Stephen Coniglio in line to return for the cut-throat semi-final.
The star onballer was a late withdrawal from the GIANTS’ elimination final win over the Saints after injuring his eye at training.
With his blurred vision subsiding, the line-breaking 29-year-old is looking fit and ready to take on the Power.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Power here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ clash with the Power will be shown live and free on Channel 7 from 7pm as well as live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally.
