Port Adelaide are bracing for an AFL battle of persistence and can after they attempt to crack the rock that’s St Kilda’s defence.
While velocity is all the time a key issue at Marvel Stadium, Power defensive coach Nathan Bassett mentioned his facet should be prepared for a wrestle.
The Saints are high of the ladder with a 5-1 document and simply the perfect defensive document within the league.
While eight groups – together with Tenth-placed Sydney – have scored greater than St Kilda, nobody comes near factors towards.
St Kilda have conceded 357 – fewer than 10 objectives a recreation. The next-best are ninth-placed Geelong with 459.
“Clearly if scoring is the only thing that makes you feel good, then playing St Kilda you’re not going to feel good too often,” Bassett mentioned on Thursday.
“They’ve been the standout defensive team so far this year – they’re three goals better than anyone else – so it’s going to be a challenge to kick a score big enough to win.
“It is a clearly outlined fashion and so they work collectively nicely as a staff.
“There’s a bit of soccer defence, you almost call (it), about the way they play. That’s fine, they’re finding good ways to win.”
Bassett mentioned tempo would possibly break the Saints open, however Port should be cautious.
“The challenge is a lot around with (using) the ball and then ensuring we don’t make too many mistakes up the other end,” he mentioned.
“The teams that have taken a lot of marks on them haven’t had great success so far.
“You need to give your forwards some alternatives in one-on-ones.”
Port will have three forced changes, with Todd Marshall (concussion), captain Tom Jonas (suspension) and Kane Farrell (cheekbone) unavailable, while the Saints are unchanged.
Key forward Charlie Dixon will return from one game out with a knee injury and Jase Burgoyne is also back, while Dylan Williams will come into the 22 after he was the substitute in last week’s win over West Coast.
Bassett said Ken Hinkley would definitely be in charge on Friday night after their senior coach travelled ahead of the team because of a family matter.
After their round-three Showdown loss had the dogs barking about Hinkley’s future, Port have enjoyed a three-game winning streak and sit seventh.
This would be the first match underneath Friday night time lights for St Kilda and Port this season.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
