Where and when: Metricon Stadium, Sunday July 12, 1.05pm AEST
Last time they met: It was a nail-biter, from start to finish, with the GIANTS getting home by just one point in round 19 last year at Adelaide Oval. The GIANTS kicked the first goal of the game inside the first minute and held the lead all night, but struggled to shake off a persistent Power side playing for its season. Jeremy Cameron kicked three goals, as did Jeremy Finlayson, while Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Toby Greene stepped it up in a midfield missing Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio. There was a first – Jackson Hately’s final quarter goal was his first ever. There was some recognition for a backman, with Phil Davis earning the three Brownlow votes for his competitiveness and composure in defence. And there was a big milestone to celebrate – Heath Shaw’s 300th AFL game.
TV and online: https://www.afl.com.au/broadcast-guide-premiership
What it means for the GIANTS: After notching consecutive wins over Collingwood and Hawthorn, the GIANTS were able to move back into the top eight. This is a chance to consolidate, continue building some form and start inching further up the ladder, against a team that has been in good form.
Where’s the opposition at? The Power are on top of the ladder after five rounds and after a long stint already in their Queensland hub. They've had wins there over Adelaide, Fremantle and West Coast but were beaten last week by the Lions. They’re a mature team with some good young talent and a key forward, Charlie Dixon, in good goal-kicking form.
The number: 314. Heath Shaw has been sweating on this one for a while now. He passed uncle Neville, father Ray and brother Rhyce on the Shaw family games tally some time ago, and will go past Uncle Tony’s record of 313 AFL games when he runs out against Port. According to Heath, the four men have two things in common: they all have the same last name and they’ve all been sacked by Collingwood.
In the mix: Tim Taranto is ready to play – either in the AFL team or in a scratch match against the Hawthorn reserves - having overcome the shoulder injury he suffered way back in the pre-season. Callan Ward, who missed last week’s game with soreness, is likely to come back in too. Adam Kennedy will be tested after suffering a minor setback with his hamstring injury, while Sam Taylor will miss at least a month of footy after being diagnosed with septic arthritis. Plenty of young GIANTS – Jye Caldwell, Jack Buckley, Xavier O’Halloran and Bobby Hill – are pushing hard for a game with their strong and persistent form in the scratch matches.
In the spotlight: Toby Greene. From ball magnet midfielder to genius forward. He makes footy fun to watch and on Sunday will rack up game No. 150 and become a life member of the GIANTS.
