Port Adelaide (who will again be known as Yartapuulti for Indigenous Round) returns to the Adelaide Oval after hosting last week's Showdown, but the opposition doesn’t get any easier, welcoming the Cats back to the City of Churches.
The Power needed to respond against the Crows after their horror show the previous week down in Ballarat, and to their credit, they did. However, they fell short against their crosstown rivals or, should we say, missed plenty of opportunities to take the lead late in the game, allowing the Crows to win once again, unable to find the middle of the goals when they had chances to do so.
Alas, it’s two defeats in a row, leaving them with a record of 4-5 for the season, needing wins to stay in touch with the teams vying for a top-eight berth.
Geelong were also culpable in squandering late opportunities in front of goal, costing them the match against the Power.
This inconsistency continues the up-and-down season the Cats have experienced. At 5-4 and sitting in the top eight on percentage, this trip across the border becomes quite important.
The Power will need to make at least one forced change after running defender Kane Farrell underwent knee surgery, a cruel blow to their ball movement from the back half. Willie Rioli is available to play again after last week's saga, which saw him voluntarily sit out and then be suspended for the Showdown.
Veteran Travis Boak could also return to the seniors after winning 35 possessions in the SANFL last week.
What will Ken Hinkley decide regarding his rucks after springing a selection surprise with Dante Visentini over Jordon Sweet last week? Does he back the young man in after a quiet but admirable performance?
The Cats could regain a trio of important defenders in Tom Stewart, Jack Henry, and Lawson Humphries, returning from respective injuries and concussions. Rhys Stanley could also come back but will need to pass a fitness test.
Of course, the Power need not be reminded of the last time they hosted the Cats—they were blown off the park in the Qualifying Final. Jeremy Cameron kicked a goal from out behind the members, and Paddy Dangerfield turned back the clock once again. So, revenge will be on their minds.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Power vs Cats prediction and preview below.
Port Adelaide vs Geelong Predicted Teams
Port Adelaide Predicted Team List
B: Lachie Jones, Aliir Aliir, Ryan Burton
HB: Miles Berman, Esava Ratugolea, Connor Rozee
C: Josh Sinn, Willem Drew, Jase Burgoyne
HF: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Mitch Georgiades, Willie Rioli
F: Joe Richards, Ollie Lord, Sam Powell-Pepper
Foll: Dante Visentini, Jason Horne-Francis, Zak Butters
Int: Jackson Mead, Ollie Wines, Jeremy Finlayson, Jed McEntee, Christian Moraes
Geelong Predicted Team List
B: Tom Stewart, Mark Blicavs, Mitch Duncan
HB: Lawson Humphries, Sam De Koning, Connor O’Sullivan
C: Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, Ollie Dempsey
HF: Gryan Miers, Shannon Neale, Shaun Mannagh
F: Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron, Brad Close
Foll: Rhys Stanley, Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes
Int: Jed Bews, Jhye Clark, Tyson Stengle, Ollie Henry, Ted Clohesy
Port Adelaide vs Geelong Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Geelong holds sway in the recent head-to-head with three wins from the past five matches overall, but recently, these two sides have split the difference with both clubs winning on their opponent's home deck.
The Cats are also one of just four non-South Australian-based clubs to have winning records at Adelaide Oval. So the ground doesn’t hold any fears for the well-drilled Cats.
The Cats, according to Wheelo Ratings, have assumed the number one attacking profile in the league. It poses a challenge for Yartapuulti whose defence is ranked 15th according to the same metrics.
Conversely, the Power’s attack is ranked 11th. They need to find different avenues to their goal rather than just going through Mitch Georgiades.
Power captain Connor Rozee franked his awesome form with the Showdown Medal last week. That role off half-back is really suiting him and helping him drive the game. It’s going to be another big shift required from him and his partner in crime Zak Butters.
Geelong rarely drops two in a row. We think they’re going slightly better than the Power is to get the job done here, but it’s not terminal if they drop this one, where it might be heading that way for the Power if they drop this.
It will be fun either way.
Betting tip: Cats
First Goal Prediction
What better way to put a trying week and a bit behind you, than to come out in Indigenous Round and slam home the first goal? And then celebrate it with a tribal dance and roar from your adoring teammates and power faithful.
Go on Willie!
Betting tip: Willie Rioli
Most Disposals Prediction
Did Yartapuulti unlock something last week sending Miles Bergman into the middle? The in-demand star produced one of his best games for the season, playing on Jordan Dawson in the middle while finding the ball himself.
We think he might get a similar role on Max Holmes or Bailey Smith, so he’ll be around the ball a lot.
Betting tip: Miles Bergman 25+ disposals
Port Adelaide Power vs Geelong Cats Match Details
Date: Saturday, May 17th
First Bounce: 4:15 PM, AEST
Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
How to watch: Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports