WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Stadium, Saturday March 14, 1.40pm (local time)
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 18.13 (121) d Port Adelaide 9.5 (59), round 8, 2011 at the SCG
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

The Swans scored an impressive win over Fremantle last Saturday and haven't lost to the Power since 2006. But Port look a much tougher team in 2012 and on their home deck could push the Swans as they did in their win over St Kilda in round one.

The Swans let Fremantle back into the game last week, if they can shut out Port for four quarters they should win.

THE FOUR POINTS

Sydney Swans
1. How will the Swans look in the ruck this week? Shane Mumford surprised everyone, including coach John Longmire, by pulling out on the morning of the game against Fremantle with a sore back. How he recovers will have a big say on the line-up. Mark Seaby performed reasonably well against Aaron Sandilands, but back-up ruck Lewis Roberts-Thomson is now out with a fractured cheekbone. Jesse White and Mike Pyke could be in the mix.
 
2. Can the Swans keep up their form on the road? A decent draw had them playing 'away' against Greater Western Sydney in round one at Homebush, then a bye and a match against Fremantle at the SCG. There was a let-up in the third term against Freo, but they still sit fourth on the ladder with a healthy percentage. They need to take that form on the road against an improved Port Adelaide side.
 
3. Will the Swans stand up on a pretty special day for Adam Goodes? And how will the co-captain perform? Goodes will set a significant milestone at AAMI Stadium when he equals club great and good friend Michael O'Loughlin's record of 303 games as a Swan. Goodes has been in solid if unspectacular form early in the season and will want to turn it on to celebrate the milestone in style.
 
4. Will the Swans continue their recent dominance over Port Adelaide? The Swans have won seven straight games against the Power by an average of just under 42 points. Port's last victory over the Swans came in round two, 2006, when they spoiled the party after the home side unfurled its 2005 premiership flag at the SCG.


Port Adelaide
1. Robbie Gray is available after missing a few weeks with a strained hamstring and is a huge plus for the Power. Gray can turn games and his inclusion in the side will relieve the stress on the midfielders while also offering the Power another target up forward.

2. Despite Essendon winning the hit-out count 53-25 against Port last week, the Power won the clearances 41-33. It's a telling statistic and means that their midfield structures are working exactly how the coaching staff would want. With the likes of Brad Ebert, John McCarthy, Dom Cassisi, Hamish Hartlett and now Robbie Gray in the middle, the Power can control the game if they can clear it first.

3. With the Swans' ruck stocks reasonably thin, Jarrad Redden will look to rebound from last weekend's performance against Patrick Ryder. Ryder smashed Redden, but is an incredibly tough opponent to encounter. None of the Swans' ruckmen possess the same athletic ability as Ryder, so Redden should have an easier job this weekend - whoever he lines up on.

4. Port Adelaide's tackle count was way down against Essendon and will need to be rectified against a Sydney Swans outfit known for their tackling ferocity. Uncontested possessions from the Bombers killed Port, so they'll look to pressure the Swans from the opening bounce until the final siren.


The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs