Port Adelaide 2017

[MW]

I think Geelong would be paying overs big time

[morell]

I think Geelong would be paying overs big time

They said above Motlop for next to nix and their second rounder would be a very late one eg 38-40.

[MW]

I would prefer to have Motlop in my side than Pittard, so why give a 2nd rounder as well? (Just my opinion)

[human_torpedo]

He's a RFA isnt he? Geelong would unlikely match a bid if they were to get a second round compo pick you would think

[hawks21]

He's a RFA isnt he? Geelong would unlikely match a bid if they were to get a second round compo pick you would think

Port can get him for free, doubt Geelong will match. However, i think bringing in another underachieving inconsistent footballer is the last thing Port need!

[Spargo]

He's a RFA isnt he? Geelong would unlikely match a bid if they were to get a second round compo pick you would think

Port can get him for free, doubt Geelong will match. However, i think bringing in another underachieving inconsistent footballer is the last thing Port need!

Spot on.

[MW]

Motlop is going nowhere.

[morell]

Thread is all over the place!

[Booney]

Thread is all over the place!

[Booney]

JUSTIN WESTHOFF will continue calling Port Adelaide home in 2018 after triggering a contract extension for next year.

Having played 221 games since being drafted to Alberton via pick 71 in the 2006 National Draft, the 30-year-old has emerged as one of the Power's most versatile and reliable players.

The Tanunda native said he had no interest in leaving Alberton.

"I love the club and had no interest in exploring free-agency, this is my home and I'm very happy here," Westhoff told portadelaidefc.com.au.

"The chance to keep playing my role as part of what we're trying to build here at Port Adelaide is exciting, and to have the trigger activated now leaves me free to focus on doing my job as part of the team for the rest of the season.

His so-called 'swingman' role has seen him play off the wing for much of the season, however he continues to play invaluable roles as a pinchitting ruck, forward and defender.

Port Adelaide's head of football Chris Davies said Westhoff's ability around the ground continues to make him an integral part of Port's starting 22.

“He’s performed roles for us in every line this season,” Davies said.

“His versatility and durability are an absolute strength and we’re pleased Justin will be with us again for at least another year.”

[stan]

Bugger me pick 71. How about that.

[Booney]

Bugger me pick 71. How about that.

Robbie Gray pick 55

[morell]

Thread is all over the place!

Would be way better with more graphs

[am Bays]

@Morell we reached the magical and footy significant 119 pages on the Power thread three days later than we did in 2016. Is this a statistically significance or within the coefficient of variation???

http://safooty.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=41005&start=2360

[Booney]

We should post more things.

[Wedgie]

Tempted to lock the thread on page 119......

[Booney]

THIS weekend's highly-anticipated Showdown will have some "extra bite" to it, according to Port Adelaide defender Jack Hombsch.

Adelaide Oval will be packed to the rafters when the Power aim to end a four-game losing streak to ladder leaders Adelaide on Sunday.

The Power are fifth and a win would keep their hopes of an all-important top-four berth alive.

"They're already big games as it is, so there will be a bit of extra bite to it," Hombsch told AFL.com.au.

"They're top of the ladder and the best team in the competition.

"It's a funny thing, Showdowns, you can be top and bottom, and it's still going to be a pretty even game anyway.

"It brings out the best in both sides."

The Crows showed tremendous fight to rally back from a 50-point deficit to earn a draw against Collingwood last weekend, while the Power are still buzzing after Robbie Gray's late goal snatched a dramatic two-point victory over St Kilda.

Hombsch played his role as part of an impressive Power backline after spending the past two weeks in the SANFL.

"It was a good chance to go back and work on some things in the Magpies," he said.

"Coming back in and winning like that is amazing and shows you why you play the game of footy.

"I tidied a few things up and I've got to keep working on a few things, but it's great to be back in and to contribute to a win like that."

Hombsch had established himself as a regular in the Power's backline over the past three seasons, but was dropped to work on his one-on-one defence.

"Obviously you don't like hearing that you're not playing, so it was disappointing, but I knew it was coming in a way," Hombsch said.

"I hadn't been happy with how I was playing myself either.

"It gives you a chance to go back to basics and work on your defending and play basic footy in a way and focus on a couple of key areas.

"It gave me the freedom to do that and get back to defending."

Hombsch spent the majority of his time on Saints spearhead Josh Bruce and received great support from Tom Jonas and Tom Clurey.

"The boys as a back six helped each other out aerially and there was a lot of guys coming across to spoil," Hombsch said.

[Booney]

South Australia's most important game on the footy calendar takes on extra significance for two of the premiership contenders. The 43rd edition of the Showdown promises to be a beauty, with the Crows and the Power coming off amazing results last weekend. The Crows showed tremendous fight to rally from 50 points down early in the third quarter to secure a draw against Collingwood at the MCG, while a bit of Patrick Ryder and Robbie Gray brilliance delivered the Power a thrilling two-point win over St Kilda. The top-of-the-table Crows will be slight favourites to win their fifth straight Showdown, but the fifth-placed Power need a victory to realistically keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive. This is one of those genuine 'flip a coin' games that will more than likely go down to the wire.

WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday, August 6, 4.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

R3, 2017, Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) at Adelaide Oval
R22, 2016, Adelaide 15.19 (109) d Port Adelaide 14.10 (94) at Adelaide Oval
R2, 2016, Adelaide 22.12 (144) d Port Adelaide 11.20 (86) at Adelaide Oval
R16, 2015, Adelaide 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 17.11 (113) at Adelaide Oval
R5, 2015, Port Adelaide 18.7 (115) d Adelaide 13.13 (91) at Adelaide Oval

THE SIX POINTS

When the two sides met in round three this year, Crows skipper Taylor Walker booted four goals and Eddie Betts three, while Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane had 32 and 31 disposals respectively. Port Adelaide won the inside 50 count and laid more tackles despite losing the game by 17 points.
This will be a contest between two of the top three scoring teams in the competition. The Crows are ranked first with 111 points per game, while the Power are third with 99. But the Power are the best defensive team in the League, conceding just 76 points per game, while the Crows are fourth (81).
Nothing separates the two arch rivals 42 after Showdowns, with both clubs having 21 wins each. The Crows have evened the ledger after winning the past four and five of the last six.
These teams are also the best inside 50 sides this season. Port Adelaide is ranked first averaging 60.1, just ahead of the Crows with an average of 57 per game.
Crows skipper Taylor Walker enjoys a good Showdown record, kicking 33 goals in 12 games, and has booted two goals or more in 11 of the 12 games. In his seven Showdowns, Eddie Betts has kicked 27 goals, with four or more five times.
Crows midfielder Matt Crouch is having a breakout season. In the Schick AFL Player Ratings, Crouch has risen from 134th overall to 60th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Rory Sloane

The Crows champion is certain to get tagged once again after being held to just 16 possessions against Collingwood last weekend. Brad Ebert appears to be the most likely match-up, and will apply physical pressure to Sloane at every opportunity.

PREDICTION: Adelaide by four points

[Booney]

"Floating" round 23 fixture has Port v Gold Coast at 7:10 Saturday night.

[Booney]

Motlop to Port at seasons end.

Hope not!

We've had a Motlop. We know the best is very good, we also know it's for a few minutes here and there and not anything that could be referred to as consistent. In fact, if we do get him I've already got his nickname, "MRP"*, you never know what you'll get.

*TM - Nobody can use that.

Use what?

Motlop to Port. We would take a fresh pack of Twisties from the bar at Alberton but the open ones will do I guess.

regards,

REB

Cheese twisties only, the chicken ones wouldn't be wasted.