The GIANTS return home to ENGIE Stadium (formerly GIANTS Stadium) for an electrifying clash with the Power on Sunday afternoon.

Match Details   

GIANTS v Port Adelaide
Sunday, June 16 at 4pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country

What it Means for the GIANTS   

The GIANTS’ inconsistency across four quarters has seen them hit a mid-season road bump after losing four of their last five games ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with the fourth-placed Power at ENGIE Stadium. 

The Orange Tsunami was back to its best with a thrilling win over the Cats in Geelong in round 11 but the GIANTS were unable to replicate the form across four quarters against Hawthorn in Tasmania on Saturday as a poor second half saw them lose a three-goal lead and fall by six points at UTAS Stadium.

Still sitting in 8^th spot with a 7-5 record, the GIANTS have a huge opportunity to build some momentum and return to the winners list when they welcome Ken Hinkley and the Power to town on Sunday. 

Having been hit hard by injuries in the last month, the GIANTS may re-gain some troops to take on the Power, with two-time Kevin Sheedy Medallist Josh Kelly (calf) and key defender Jack Buckley (calf) both set to face fitness tests later in the week in a bid to return on Sunday.  

With tough games against the Swans, the Crows in Adelaide, and the Blues to follow, the GIANTS’ clash with the Power on Sunday is crucial as they look to remain inside the top eight. 

The Opposition 

Fresh off the bye last round, the Power will make the trip to Sydney feeling fresh and in good spirits having won three of their last four games.

Sitting 4^th with an 8-4 record, the Power will be looking to continue their strong season on Sunday in what will be the club’s first visit to ENGIE Stadium in over a decade, with the two sides last meeting at the venue in 2013. 

Despite their strong form, Port Adelaide did fall in their last outing prior to the bye, with the Blues knocking them off by 36 points at Adelaide Oval in round 12. 

The Power started the match strong but a Blues blitz in the final quarter saw the visitors register just their second win at Adelaide Oval in 11 years.

In a huge boost for the visiting Power, the club announced on Tuesday that skipper Connor Rozee has overcome his ankle injury and will be available to take on the GIANTS on Sunday.  

Recent History  

While recent history between the sides had fallen heavily in favour of Port Adelaide, the visitors will be out for vengeance on Sunday after the last meeting between the sides saw the GIANTS pull the plug on the Power’s premierships aspirations with an impressive 27-point semi-final win at Adelaide Oval last year.

The Power had won four straight games against the GIANTS heading into the clash, but the Orange Tsunami proved too good in the do-or-die final as the GIANTS ended Port Adelaide’s season with a gutsy four-goal win. 

Lachie Whitfield (33 touches) and Tom Green (29 touches, eight clearances) were everywhere in the win, while Jesse Hogan (17 touches, 4.4) and Toby Greene (15 touches, 3.2) proved to be a headache for the Power defence.

Key Match-Up: Young Midfield Maestros

Sunday’s game will present some mouth-watering match-ups as some of the competition’s best young midfield talent go head-to-head.  

With co-captains Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) and Kelly missing through injury in recent weeks, the GIANTS have had to rely on many of their youngsters to shoulder the load as they look to remain in touch with the top four. 

On Sunday the GIANTS will again put their faith in their youthful and exciting midfield group, with Tom Green (23) and Finn Callaghan (21) looking to continue their strong seasons as James Peatling (23) and Xavier O’Halloran (23) continue to impress in a variety of roles. 

The young group, aided by the likes of veteran Callan Ward and possibly a returning Kelly, will need to be at their best against the Power who also boast one of the league’s best young midfields – headlined by the star-studded trio of Rozee (24), Zak Butters (23) and Jason Horne-Francis (20).

GIANTS Player to Watch   

While the GIANTS fell just short of the Hawks last week, it wasn’t due to the output of livewire small forward Brent Daniels who will enter Sunday’s clash with the Power off the back of a red-hot performance. 

Not usually a high possession-getter, Daniels was everywhere against the Hawks as he zigged and zagged through traffic with seamless ease on his way to a career-high 27 touches to go along with a goal, five clearances and five score involvements. 

Registering ‘above average’ for his position in disposals, kicks, handballs and tackles this season, Daniels will be hoping he can produce another similar performance to last week, but this time in a victory against the Power. 

In the Mix  

Two key GIANTS are in the mix to return on Sunday with both Kelly and Buckley facing fitness tests, while in the VFL a host of players continue to press their claims for a senior call-up, with Conor Stone, Lachlan Keeffe and Max Gruzewski amongst the contingent impressing at the level.

Team Selection

The GIANTS will name their squad to take on the Power at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au and then the final team at 5pm on Friday.  

Rehab Report  

Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s match here.

Where to Watch  

Sunday’s match will be shown live and free on 7 Mate from 4pm in NSW and the ACT, as well as nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo.

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