SUMMARY
Port kick-started Sydney's horror start to last year when they upset the Swans in the season-opener, but they'll face a much better Sydney side on Sunday in what could be the match of the round. Lance Franklin's eight-goal haul against West Coast last Sunday will give the Power defence some nightmares this week, but Charlie Dixon gives the visitors their own star key forward. With Jack Watts and Steven Motlop starting well at their new club against Fremantle and youngster Todd Marshall in the goals, the Swans number-one ranked backline won't have an easy Easter Sunday. Robbie Gray's inclusion is vital for Port, especially after the loss of Paddy Ryder (Achilles). Along with Ollie Wines, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert, and Sam Powell-Pepper, Gray gives his side a midfield outfit capable of matching it with the likes of Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney and Zak Jones.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday, April 1, 4.40pm AEST
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R1, 2017: Port Adelaide 17.8 (110) d Sydney 12.10 (82) at the SCG
R20, 2016: Sydney 14.16 (100) d Port Adelaide 4.9 (33) at the SCG
R14, 2015: Sydney 14.10 (94) d Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) at the SCG
R2, 2015: Sydney 14.8 (92) d Port Adelaide 6.8 (44) at Adelaide Oval
R20, 2014: Sydney 12.12 (84) d Port Adelaide 7.16 (58) at Adelaide Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Power's upset win over the Swans at the SCG at the start of 2017 was thanks to their midfield. Ollie Wines starred with 33 disposals, Travis Boak had 26 and two goals and Paddy Ryder dominated the ruck with 28 hit-outs.
2. Port Adelaide's victory last year ended a long losing sequence against the Swans after the home side had won the previous five matches, and 13 of the previous 14. The Power haven't won two in a row over Sydney since 2002-03.
3. No team had more disposals in round one than Port Adelaide (439); the Power were one of only six teams to reach 400 over the weekend, and they were second for uncontested possessions.
4. Sydney dominated most opposition at the SCG in 2017, winning eight of 12 matches including five by more than 50 points. Port Adelaide won five of nine games interstate in 2017.
5. The Power were impressive with their disposal efficiency last week; they were ranked fourth at 75.9 per cent, while the Swans were equal seventh at 75.1 per cent.
6. Sydney has two players inside the top 10 of the AFL Player Ratings, in Josh Kennedy (fourth) and Lance Franklin (sixth), but the Power welcome back their highest-ranked star this week, with Robbie Gray (eighth) back from suspension.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
With Ryder missing, Callum Sinclair must dominate the ruck and give his midfielders best use of the footy. If he can do that and the Swans control the game, Franklin can take Port's defence apart and get more one-out opportunities.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney by 11 points.
