Power calls in cavalry
New blood for Lions clash
AFL: Port Adelaide vice-captain Ollie Wines is hoping some fresh faces will provide the Power a much-needed spark against Brisbane at Adelaide Oval this afternoon.
Wines said the success of Port’s SANFL side, which has won seven of its past eight games, had placed pressure on players to hold their AFL spots – and offered the Power some ready-made replacements.
Jasper Pittard, Jimmy Toumpas and Brendon Ah Chee have all paid the price for indifferent form.
“That’s a positive, our SANFL team is flying,” Wines said on FIVEaa yesterday.
Port Adelaide has recalled forward Aaron Young, Dan Houston and small forward Jake Neade, who Wines expects to provide increased pressure in the front half.
“His speed and pressure down forward is really important,” Wines said of Neade.
“He’ll go (down forward) with Jarman Impey and Sam Gray and they’re three of the fastest and most agile players I’ve seen.
“They’re there to kick a couple of goals but also (to provide) the forward press.”
Meanwhile, memories of Brisbane’s horror round-six loss to the Power have primed the rejuvenated Lions for a shot at AFL redemption.
The last-placed Lions suddenly have a spring in their step after upsetting Fremantle at home last
round – just their second win of 2017 – and re-signing rising talents such as Josh Schache and Harris Andrews.
Lions coach Chris Fagan said Brisbane was now keen to make amends for its 83-point thumping at the Gabba – a loss that clearly still makes him wince after seven weeks.
“It was probably our worst performance of the year,” Fagan said.
“We weren’t too pleased with the way we played that night.
“We didn’t defend well – we went to sleep.”
Fagan admitted beating Port at the Adelaide Oval would be easier said than done after the Power’s shock 70-point loss to Essendon last week.
“It’s harder over there and Port will be fired up after their loss last week,” he said.
“They try to make that stadium a cauldron.
“Of the opposition we’ve played this year – and there’s been some good teams we haven’t played yet – Port Adelaide has been the best.”