Port Adelaide vs West Coast Eagles Prediction - Round 3 2026

Sunday’s AFL Round 3 action starts in the City of Churches as Port Adelaide host the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval.  While some contender matchups scream blockbuster, this Sunday arvo clash is more about survival.

Both clubs are coming off victories that sent their respective opponents into a spiral of soul-searching, but the vibes in both camps couldn't be more different.

Port Adelaide dismantled the hapless Bombers last week with a clinical 133-70 performance, but the win was bittersweet.

The Power lost their heartbeat, captain Connor Rozee, to a devastating hamstring tendon rupture that will see him sidelined for at least three months. It’s a massive blow for a midfield that relies so heavily on his energy and leadership.

Meanwhile, over in the West, the Eagles pulled off a stunning heist against North Melbourne. No one saw them beating North Melbourne, particularly as they trailed by 30 points during the match.

The baby Eagles found a new gear and stormed to victory in a classic in front of their home fans. It was their second win in as many years.

Can Andrew McQualter’s men bottle that Optus Stadium magic and bring it to South Australia? Or will the sheer weight of Port’s top-end talent, led by a rampant Zak Butters, prove too much for West Coast?

The Power have dominated this matchup recently, winning the last four encounters, including a 26-point win at this venue last season.

It’d be a good news story to watch West Coast get up, but it may be a bridge too far.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Port Adelaide vs West Coast Eagles Round 3 prediction and preview below.

Port Adelaide vs West Coast Eagles Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

We hope the West Coast faithful have their coffee orders in early, because a 12:30pm AEDT start means a 9:30am kickoff back in Perth.

It's a big ask for the fans, and an even bigger one for a young list trying to prove that last week's victory wasn't just a flash in the pan. Andrew McQualter has this group believing, but winning on foreign soil is a different beast entirely.

The Power are clinical at the Adelaide Oval, but the loss of Rozee creates a void that Jason Horne-Francis and Willem Drew must fill. Last week, Zak Butters was playing out of his skin, racking up 36 disposals and gained a ridiculous 771 metres.

If the Eagles can't tag Butters out of the game, it'll be a familiar feeling for West Coast fans.

While another Eagles upset would be the feel-good story of the round, Port Adelaide's depth and home-ground advantage should see them through.

Expect the Power to control the tempo, even if they lack a bit of Rozee's usual polish.

Head-to-head prediction: Port Adelaide by 28 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Port’s Jack Lukosius is a sneaky good shout for booting the opener!

He’s got an elite leg and loves drifting into dangerous spots, so if West Coast’s defence opens up, as we expect, he’d be on the spot to snag a goal early.

The former Sun has been in strong goal kicking form recently and could be a good value bet to open the scoring.

Betting tip: Jack Lukosius

Most Disposals Prediction

Zak Butters is in Brownlow medal form and showed last year against the Eagles that he knows how to exploit their midfield. After a 38-disposal masterclass in their last meeting, he is the safest bet to lead the stats sheet again, especially with a bigger role to play considering the skipper’s absence.

Betting tip: Zak Butters.

Odds are subject to change.*

Port Adelaide vs West Coast Eagles Predicted Teams

Port Adelaide Predicted Team List

FB: Jase Burgoyne, Esava Ratugolea, Jackson Mead

HB: Lachie Jones, Aliir Aliir, Kane Farrell

C: Logan Evans, Jason Horne-Francis, Jacob Wehr

HF: Jack Lukosius, Mitch Georgiades, Joe Berry

FF: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jack Whitlock, Joe Richards

Foll: Jordon Sweet, Zak Butters, Willem Drew

I/C: Corey Durdin, Ollie Wines, Jack Watkins, Ewan Mackinlay, Dante Visentini

West Coast Eagles Predicted Team List

FB: Brady Hough, Tylar Young, Liam Duggan

HB: Liam Baker, Reuben Ginbey, Bo Allan

C: Tom McCarthy, Elliot Yeo, Willem Duursma

HF: Hamish Davis, Jobe Shanahan, Tim Kelly

FF: Jamie Cripps, Jake Waterman, Cooper Duff-Tytler

Foll: Matt Flynn, Harley Reid, Jack Graham

I/C: Josh Lindsay, Archer Reid, Tom Cole, Malakai Champion, Deven Robertson

Port Adelaide vs West Coast Eagles Match Details

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

First Bounce: 12:30pm AEDT

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports