Red-hot Port Adelaide are bracing for Geelong’s premiership finest after they conflict with the Cats in a blockbuster opening to spherical 14.
The Power are on a membership file 10-game successful streak to be firmly in competition to win their first flag since 2004.
Port will, briefly at the least, substitute Collingwood on prime of the ladder ought to they win a Eleventh-straight match.
But Geelong, who welcome again captain Patrick Dangerfield, twin premiership veteran Mitch Duncan and speedy teen Max Holmes, will current a stern problem at Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening.
“We are coming up against the reigning champs who have their best team back together. It is going to be a real challenge,” Port coach Ken Hinkley stated.
“I always expect Geelong at their best, they’re a great footy club. What they did last year was amazing.
“They are on the stage of their season the place they’re beginning to get some momentum.
“They are to bring in three high-quality players – at least three – fresh; it is going to be a challenge.
“It seems to be like they’ll have their finest seven or eight forwards out there for the primary time this 12 months.”
Port’s mid-season recruit Quinton Narkle is closing in on a debut for the club after starring with 33 possessions in the SANFL.
The 25-year-old has been named as an emergency and could realistically be picked as the sub.
Hinkley stressed the former Geelong midfielder was close to selection but said Narkle was still adapting to Port’s style of play.
Narkle played 41 games for the Cats from 2018 before he was delisted at the end of last season.
Geelong threw up a surprise at selection, resting Irish veteran Zac Tuohy but picking him as an emergency.
Tuohy starred in the Cats’ last-start win against the Western Bulldogs and will miss his fellow Irishman Mark O’Connor’s 100th game.
Premiership ruckman Rhys Stanley has additionally been listed as an emergency after lacking eight weeks as a result of a fractured eye socket.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
