3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2022 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

PORT ADELAIDE V SYDNEY

Saturday 18 June @ Adelaide Oval

This is one of the matches this weekend where one team off a bye meets another on the back up – however Port Adelaide played on the Thursday night anyway so it really is an extended back up.

Neither side can afford a loss but less so the Power who really are gone if they lose. One imagines they will be or should be inspired by that thought.

Port has had their way with Sydney in recent times winning the last five matchups, the last three at this venue.

Only the last one was a closer contest too so that should hearten fans from Alberton. However what relevance will any of that play this season with one side seemingly on the slide and the other building?

Port Adelaide were fairly brave last week when in fact coming from near five goals down to hit the lead at the MCG only to relinquish it late once more. They weren't helped with late injuries and clashes which also caused matters off the park.

Their midfield got plenty of the ball but that is almost Richmond's way of sucking teams in. They let you win at the contest but once it is out, they hit you hard on the break. Ten of the Port lads got 20 or more touches but without a ruckman of any description really, they couldn't do much with it.

With media talk away from the on-field matters about Ken Hinkley's future (about which he isn't much interested in it must be said), you can expect he'll have his group ready to go from the jump this time.

Sydney must be aware of that for two fold reasons. To expect it to happen and to understand just how poor their own starts have been.

Three weeks ago they let Richmond get five goals on them and then two weeks back they almost allowed Melbourne to do the same. That is the unimpressive part.

The impressive bit is that they ran both the last two Premiers down after that awful beginning. You can't afford to be doing that too often and expect the positive outcome.

Even in a Lance-less forward line you had to be impressed with the way they mobilised around Logan McDonald. The second year key forward won't be commanding everything yet but you can envisage the future.

Sam Reid played almost his best game as the second ruck/second big man role. Does he really fit though into a team when Franklin plays because McDonald surely must? You can't play Franklin, McDonald, Reid, Hickey and Ladhams all at once…four is a stretch, three is preferable.

Hard not to have equal appreciation for the outstanding nature of the McCartin efforts down back as well. The ¾ time chase of Kysaiah Pickett by Tom when a certain runaway goal was in the offing summed up the night.

That tackling signified the Swans were in their zone again. For them to be winning finals, with all the youth they have, that effort is a must. All teams need effort but without experience, they need to hustle and bustle the opponents and they did that to the Demons.

You can see this game being exactly that again. Port will and should be desperate. Their season is on the line. Sydney really should be thinking the same as they could find themselves out of the '8'.

Consider that after last night's Carlton loss, wins by Geelong, St Kilda and Sydney will see just one win separating the Top 7 on the ladder. Opportunity awaits.

Looks to be a fine day on the cards. Strangely you'll find Sydney has a much better record on fine and sunny days than at night. Might be handy if they reach the GF again. A scrap may have suited Port Adelaide more given what was in store.

Look for Ladhams to have a big game. He'll want to show what his old team a missing. They surely offer him some form of decent ruck opponent though.

Sydney is playing better just now but is not that much better a team. Despite some important outs, giving the Power one last chance this year at home but it will be a very tight match you'd think.

Match Selection: Port Adelaide by 5 points

Suggested Bets: Port Adelaide @ $2.25