The scenario is a classic for this time of year; serious doubts have emerged about a long-time contender, and all of a sudden there’s a precocious challenger yapping at its heels.
This is one of those classic cases where the successful elimination finalist, Greater Western Sydney, looks to be in better shape than the vanquished qualifier, Port Adelaide. The Power are banged up, with mounting injury concerns and problems at both ends of the field, especially defence, while the Giants are surfing a wave of late-season momentum.
it’s only a month ago that Port beat the Giants to a pulp there, piling on 21 goals in a comfortable 51-point win . It’s true that the Giants beat Adelaide at the ground in round 18 – but reversing their previous shellacking by Port in the face of a packed and hostile finals crowd is still a big, big ask if they’re to make a big, big sound this September.Along with Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness, Drew is one of the league’s few specialist taggers.
Both players were vital against the Saints last weekend, with three goals, three assists and 14 score involvements between them.It’s an obvious question, sure, but given Port’s issues in key positions, it assumes even greater importance than usual. Besides, this one should be a beauty.
The Giants’ line-up is more settled. Port’s midfield will need to play out of their skins to win the territory battle and restore the Power’s turnover-based game if they’re to advance to a preliminary final.GWS to defy history and send Port packing in straight sets for the second year in a row. Giants by 17.