There is plenty on the line when the Pies and Power meet on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide have started the 2024 season brilliantly and can assert their premiership credentials with a win over last year’s champions.
The Power’s midfield brigade of Connor Rozee, Zac Butters, Ollie Wines and Jason Horne-Francis is probably the in-form unit in the league at present and should provide plenty of difficulties for a Pies unit that has been beaten by the Lions and Hawks in contested possessions in their last two games, despite ultimately winning them.
The Power’s ball movement has been particularly impressive, especially their ability to it quickly and accurately by foot. They have the highest kick to handball ratio in the league, but despite that rank in the bottom three for turnovers. They also rank first in the league for marks inside 50.
Where the Pies have been better of late is in defence, conceding 72 points in each of their last two games after averaging more than 100 points against in their first three.
They will have their work cut out though against a Port Adelaide side that has averaged more than 100 points per game.
Collingwood have certainly had the better of this matchup of late, winning four of the last five. However, two of those wins came in games decided by a kick or less.
Keen the Power here.
Same Game Multi
Sam Powell-Pepper was a welcome addition to the Power’s lineup last week but didn’t have his kicking boots on, finishing with 0.2. He had two goals when these teams last met.
Jordon Sweet is playing his first game for the Power. He is more noted as a ruckman but should see at least some time forward. He has three goals in two SANFL games this year.
Veteran Ollie Wines remains an important part of the midfield mix and has had at least 25 in his last three games.
For the Pies, John Noble has had 24 and 23 in his last two and is a good user and decision maker off half back.
Value Bet
As noted above, Sweet is better known as a ruckman but with Ivan Soldo retained in the side, he should be spending at least some time in the forward line.
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