As the race for 8th spot heats up- this is an absolute MUST win game for our boys.
I do see the likes of West Coast, Adelaide and Brisbane's finals chances being put to rest in the coming weeks, so imo it leaves us and carlton to battle for 8th spot.
Having a look at Carltons last 6 in comparison with ours:
Port:
Brisbane
Adelaide
Geelong
Gold Coast
Fremantle
Carlton
Carlton:
Gold Coast
Fremantle
Bulldogs
Richmond
Essendon
Port
So it could very well come down to round 23.
Brisbane are on a bit of a roll at the moment and have some damaging players given space. Cornes will be a big in for us this week, given Montagna and Dal Santo gave us a towelling in the middle in the 2nd half last week. A shut down role on either Rich or Rockliff will give us midfield ascendency. Pearce Hanley is a big out for the lions too with much needed run and carry out of defence lost for the lions.
Cassisi comes in for Jonas and Cornes will replace Neade (who really needed a week off). Of course another big job on Brown awaits Trengove.
Must get some form and confidence from this game, the crows will be chomping at the bit in next weeks showdown. Even if we participate in september by making up the numbers, one cant underestimate the confidence the group will gain from a finals appearance.
Port by 14 points.