Port approached the AFL in relation to the disparity between the number of games it played at Adelaide Oval compared to the Crows
Port Adelaide is sitting pretty at the top of the ladder and it has had no trouble playing just seven matches at Adelaide Oval this season. But the Power still raised the question as to why the Crows were given more games in SA this year.
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Port Adelaide approached the AFL as to why fierce rivals Adelaide have been afforded more games in South Australia in 2020.
But Power general manager of football Chris Davies said the club quickly moved on from this, understanding that it was just another part of a unique season.
The ladder-leading Power have played seven matches at Adelaide Oval, while the Crows will play their 10th match at the venue against Richmond on Saturday.
Two of these games for the Crows have technically been away games, the Round 2 Showdown and interestingly a game in which Hawthorn were listed as hosts.
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But Port fans have been frustrated at a lack of games at Adelaide Oval this season, especially with Monday night’s game against Collingwood at the Gabba.
Davies said the club had raised the issue with the AFL but it wasn’t a big bone of contention.
“We had asked the question of the AFL across the year,” he said on SEN SA.
“Just even in relation to the disparity between the number of games we played at Adelaide Oval compared to Adelaide.
“That was a discussion that was had, you put your best foot forward and hope you get an outcome.
“But it was pitched as a Collingwood home game and on that basis Collingwood and the AFL saw it fit to play it at the Gabba.
“Those things get taken out of our hands … you may raise an eyebrow to it but at the same time this has been an interesting year and you move on pretty quickly.”
The Monday night clash at the Gabba will give the Power a chance to experience the potential conditions of a Grand Final should they win their way to the decider.
Collingwood has taken to dunking footy’s in a mixture of water and baby oil to replicate the slippery conditions night-time Brisbane throws up and Davies said the Power had put more water on Alberton than usual at this time of year and was even looking into night training to prepare themselves.
Davies also flagged more Port players would be told that they don’t have a future at Alberton following the announcement that four Power players would not have their contracts extended, and a further two not required for finals.
“The reality is that there will be more,” he said.
Joe Atley, Riley Grundy, Tobin Cox and Wylie Buzza will be out of contract while Jake Patmore and Martin Frederick’s futures will depend on list sizes.
How will Power stop Pies’ wrecking ball?
Port Adelaide may finally give its top pick at last year’s draft an opportunity at AFL level, although two Power veterans may be hoping to snare a spot against Collingwood on Monday.
The Power have won plenty of plaudits for their youth-heavy approach over the last two seasons, with a number of youngsters shining at AFL level.
And there is plenty in reserve, with Port’s top pick at last year’s draft, Miles Bergman at No. 14, still to get a taste of AFL action.
But the Sandringham product is in the mix to face the Pies in the final home and away game of the season, with the Power keen to give him a taste of AFL action before the finals.
A midfielder and forward during his junior days, Bergman may play AFL in defence with Tom Clurey’s hamstring injury opening up a spot.
But there is fierce competition to be an inclusion for the Monday night game.
Out of contract veteran Justin Westhoff has missed the last two games, but has impressed in match simulation sessions.
Jarrod Lienert has played four games this season and impressed in the match simulation on the weekend.
Jack Watts hasn’t played since last year but is also in the mix to finally make his return from a horror ankle and leg break.
Joel Garner is another defender who is pushing to take Clurey’s place, while Sam Mayes and Cam Sutcliffe can also play defensive roles for the Power.
Small forward Boyd Woodcock has been an emergency in recent matches after playing four games in a row from Round 10.
Clurey’s absence means Port will have to come up with a new plan to try and quell Collingwood superstar Jordan De Goey.
In his first game back since Round 7, De Goey kicked four goals and on Tuesday Port assistant coach Brett Montgomery said the Power were yet to decide who would get the job on the mercurial Magpie.
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Originally published as Port approached the AFL in relation to the disparity between the number of games it played at Adelaide Oval compared to the Crows