Just where and when will it end? Port Melbourne's record breaking winning streak now sits impressively at 26, eclipsing the most recent record of 23, set by Preston in the 1980's. Much has changed since then, Preston now playing under the name Northern Blues, yet in a way Port have revisited that early 1980's period, when they won three premierships in succession from 1980-82 as John Carr previews this clash.
Yet all this talk of history and records will mean very little as the players line up on Saturday afternoon at North Port Oval. The Borough have been tested this year, having to dig deep to overcome Box Hill and Bendigo in recent weeks. While the Northern Blues have managed just the one victory so far, they have lost by no more the 14 points and comfortably countered for Bendigo last week. Port will need to be at their best.
This is a fascinating contest. It has been well documented that Port's ruck stocks took a battering over the pre-season with premiership ruckman Wayde Skipper left to shoulder much of the work. However the re-emergence of Adrian Bonaddio, whose 2011 was hampered by injury, must be a welcome sight for coach Gary Ayers. He provides a big body in the forward line, but more importantly can take his turn in the ruck, providing valuable support for Skipper.
Yet both will have their work cut-out as Carlton big man Robbie Warnock takes the field for the Blues tomorrow. Standing at 206 cm, he has 13 cm on Skipper and 11 cm on Bonaddio. As Warnock will likely get first hands to the ball, a huge responsibility is placed upon the Port Melbourne midfield to stop the Blues working the ball from the middle and is coming off 50+ taps last weekend.
As Carlton plays this weekend in Perth, plenty hinges on who they will take as their emergency player. One of either Brock McLean, David Ellard or Paul Bower will make the journey, leaving the Northern Blues short of a quality VFL standard player. Ellard has been in stellar form, with just under 40 possessions last week against Bendigo, while McLean and Bower would add plenty of size and professionalism to their respective positions in midfield and defence. Either way, Carlton playing in Perth will certainly work in Port Melbourne's favour.
It's in the midfield where Port can really cause havoc for oppositions. Stars Shane Valenti and John Baird continue to rack up possessions, while Chris Cain and the speedy Sam Dwyer both finished with 4 goals apiece last week. The Blues will need their second tier players Adam Marcon, who has started the season in fine form, Tyson Thomas and goal kicker Andrew Collins to be involved in the contest and hit the scoreboard. Nick Heyne is another midfielder who will need to continue on from his fine form last week. In their favour of course is ruckman Warnock, who has been supported well by Nick Meese in giving the Northern Blues midfielders first use of the ball.
The Blues pressure on the ball carrier was outstanding last week and they will need to replicate this for four quarters against Port to give themselves a chance of winning. However Port play their home ground so well and are used to working in tight spaces. This should be quite a physical contest.
The Blues backline will also be kept busy with the enigmatic Dean Galea, who is at the top of his game. He is a very strong mark for his height, yet is just as dangerous as the ball hits the ground. The creative Billy Burstin adds a nice dimension to the forward line as does the aggressive Bonaddio. Blues coach Robert Hyde will be hoping that Paul Bower doesn't cross the Nullarbor as Carlton's emergency as his services would be valuable. If he could team with the reliable Matthew Watson, Andre Gianfagna who is a solid Peter Jackson VFL defender and the experienced Jordan Russell, they could go some way to quelling the Port attack but they will need help from their midfielders as Ports midfield do kick goals.
Port Melbourne go in unchanged although they have three inclusions on an extended bench, Mitch Woods, Callan Thornton and Josh Scipione, all of who were named in the development squad's best last week. For the Blues, they go in with a fairly similar line up, which is remarkable considering Carlton's injuries. Bower and McLean come in and Luke Visser and Dylan Buckley have been added to an extended bench. Aaron Joseph has been promoted.
I expect the Northern Blues to take the game up to Port Melbourne, but much as they have in the past month, I expect that the Borough will simply find a way to win and extend their record breaking streak to number 27. Should make for interesting viewing.
Last Modified on 27/04/2012 15:55