Port Adelaide assistant coach Aaron Greaves says there’s small margin for error against Western Bulldogs
How Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs must win first match for premiership points on Ballarat.
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Port Adelaide wants to make history, and the top four, as its premiership tilt is shaped in the old goldfields of Ballarat against premier Western Bulldogs.
The first match for premiership points in Ballarat on Saturday doubles as a gateway to top four trappings for Port.
Luke Beveridge’s ninth-ranked side closes the minor round against Hawthorn and must win against Port Adelaide to have a realistic chance of defending its title in September. The Bulldogs trail Melbourne and West Coast on percentage while Port is four points behind fourth-placed Richmond
“It’s that time of year where there is no margin for error,” said Port Adelaide assistant coach Aaron Greaves.
“We know how tight the ladder positions are, we know what every team is playing for.
“For us, it comes down to our preparation.”
Port is travel-hardened this season having featured in the inaugural match for premiership points in Shanghai. Former Ballarat Rebels Jake Neade, Willem Drew and Jesse Palmer will provide inside knowledge on the new AFL venue which received a $31.5 million upgrade in 2015.
“We’ve certainly travelled the globe, from China to Ballarat,” said Greaves.
“It just presents another challenge.
“We’ve got a few players on our list that have played a bit of footy there and a couple players that come from north Ballarat.
“It should have a real community feel about it, which should be a good place to play.”
Port Adelaide boss Ken Hinkley can thank Collingwood defender Tom Langdon’s resilience for key midfielder Ollie Wine’s presence in Ballarat.
Wines collected Langdon with a hefty bump in the first quarter of Sunday’s win at Adelaide Oval. Langdon recovered quickly and featured for the rest of the game which was crucial in the Match Review Panel verdict.
Wines flirted with MRP fate but was charged with engaging in rough conduct assessed as careless with low impact to the head. Wines escaped with a $1500 fine, reduced to $1000 on an early plea.
Rolled gold rising star Sam Powell-Pepper is a lock to return against the Bulldogs.
Powell-Pepper, 19, was rested for a triumph that ended the finals hopes of Nathan Buckley’s ‘Pies. Powell-Pepper’s put his body on the line for the duration of an extraordinary rookie season.
“He has been really strong for us this year. That bash and crash is very important to us and we love what he brings and expect him to come back into the side this week,” said Greaves of Powell-Pepper.
Greaves said Jack Hombsch (ankle) and Jackson Trengove would push for recalls.
Originally published as Port Adelaide assistant coach Aaron Greaves says there’s small margin for error against Western Bulldogs
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