IT is crunch time for Port Melbourne this weekend as they face ladder leaders Geelong in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final In this week’s ABC TV match of the day at the Borough's stronghold North Port Oval.
Port will be trying to bring the Cats’ nine game winning streak to an end; helping keep themselves ahead of a pack of three clubs keen to overtake Port on the VFL ladder. Steve O’Brien previews the crucial VFL Round 18 clash.
Only a few weeks ago Port Melbourne was firmly entrenched in the eight, and this scribe thought they would finish second at the end of the home and away season. However, following losses to Box Hill Hawks and a 65-point drubbing at the hands of Werribee, Port finds themselves potentially out of the eight should they lose to top of the ladder Geelong.
Port’s form has been indifferent throughout the season, from dominant in their win over Williamstown to a pair of massive losses at the hands of Werribee.
Perhaps their only solace is the fortress that is North Port Oval. Over the last two and a half years, a 10-point loss to Nth Ballarat is the only defeat they have suffered at the venue.
In the earlier encounter Port was no match for the Cats losing by 85 points at Simonds Stadium.
Port are still missing Shane Valenti and Toby Pinwill from their best 22 and have Caleb Vearing the young gun from the Oakleigh Chargers as their 23rd man.
Reigning premiers Geelong has set about crushing the percentage of all who come up against them, their last loss was to Casey by 13 points way back in round 7 and with the likes of Troy Selwood and Jesse Stringer returning, the side only appears to be getting stronger. Lachlan Howe a young ruckman formerly of the Murray Bushrangers and now plying his trade for St Josephs will be the Cats 23rd man.
The more interesting match ups may take place in Port’s forward half with Mitch Brown or Ryan Bathie given the task of going with VFL legend Dean Galea. Bathie however has found himself forward a lot more in recent matches rather than his customary defence role was known for last year. Regular AFL tagger Taylor Hunt is likely to be given the task of stopping key play maker Chris Cain.
Geelong’s strength is their midfield depth. One player Port will have to guard is Jackson Thurlow who had 28 possessions, kicked three goals and took 10 marks last week in the big win over Williamstown. When you look at trying to curtail Paul Chapman , Stringer , Selwood, Billy Smedts , Josh Cowan etc it points to the enormity of the task that faces the Borough.
There will be numerous teams watching this match to see if Port can come up with a strategy to find a weakness in the Cats outfit.
For me it’s a comfortable Cats win in the vicinity of 40 points.
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 16/08/2013 16:33