Freo’s first game at Adelaide Oval

Fremantle will play its first ever game at the historic Adelaide Oval on Saturday. The ground is the new home of Port Adelaide and Adelaide, who used to play at Football Park. While the Crows have gone 1-3 in their first four games there, the Power are unbeaten in three starts at the ground.


Port a top-two team

Port made a statement recently with a comfortable win over Geelong at Adelaide Oval. Ken Hinkley’s men currently sit second on the AFL ladder with a 6-1 record, behind only the reigning premiers, Hawthorn. The Power is also the second highest scoring team, again behind only the offensive juggernaut that is the Hawks. There’ll be a clash of styles on Saturday when they face up to Freo’s smothering team defence.

Freo’s respect for rising Power


Freo’s selection in defence

With Luke McPharlin ruled out and Zac Dawson in doubt, Freo must plug the holes in defence. Alex Silvagni appears to be the likely candidate to step up. Garrick Ibbotson is also close to a recall. Port possesses a host of in-form forwards, including Coleman Medal frontrunner Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff and 2013 All Australian Chad Wingard, so whoever comes in will be given a vital task. Chris Mayne could also continue in defence after a strong effort against the Eagles.

HBF Injury Update


Last time we met

Jay Schulz remembers the last time Freo met Port. It was late in the 2013 home and away season, and the forward says Ross Lyon’s men taught his side a lesson, winning by 74 points. Schulz said it was the hardest game the Power played last year, and while Port seems to have improved in 2014, he still thinks Freo are the benchmark for pressure football and expects a torrid battle on Saturday.

Freo still the pressure benchmark: Schulz


Freo v Port – no longer ‘who cares’

When Port Adelaide entered the competition in 1997, just two years after Freo had played its first ever AFL game, Channel Nine Footy Show larrikin Sam Newman created a cup to mark the first match between the teams. Without referring to the name of the cup, it basically suggested that no one cared who won the match. Seventeen years later, Freo and Port are currently among the best performing clubs both on and off the field. The Power have won a premiership and Freo have played off in a Grand Final, while both clubs have reached record levels of membership this season. Football fans around the country await a salivating fixture on Saturday between two of the best teams in the land.

Lyon lauds Port’s ‘pillars’