Presenting all you need to know about the Magpies’ round 21 opponents – Port Adelaide – ahead of their clash at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Recent form

After recording important victories over St Kilda and West Coast in recent weeks, the Power’s top-four hopes took a hit last Sunday, as they suffered a heavy defeat to cross-town rivals, the Adelaide Crows.

In the 43rd meeting between the two clubs, the Crows recorded the biggest winning margin (84 points) in Showdown history.

With little to celebrate on the night, midfielder Robbie Gray was one that could hold his head high, as he totalled 33 disposals, five tackles, four marks and kicked one goal.

Key forward Charlie Dixon contributed two of his side’s seven goals, while captain Travis Boak worked hard for his 19 possessions and 11 tackles.

The result leaves Port Adelaide sitting fifth on the ladder, while the Magpies come into the Sunday’s clash having not dropped a game (WWDW) in the past month.



Travis Boak, Tom Jonas and Ollie Wines walk off Adelaide Oval. Image: AFL Photos.

Words from the coach

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley didn’t mince his words when assessing his side’s performance against the Crows.

“We were dominated from the start to the end,” Hinkley said at his post-match press conference.

“It was unacceptable. We got smashed everywhere.

“We have to be prepared to look at some of the positions that are in there and say ‘if you’re not getting it done, we’ll make some change’.”



Ken Hinkley didn't hide his disappointment following the Power's 84-point defeat. Image: AFL Photos.

Last time they met

The two sides met earlier this season, with Port Adelaide claiming a 31-point victory over the Magpies at the MCG.

Robbie Gray was the star of the show, kicking five goals. His namesake Sam Gray added another two goals, while midfielders Ollie Wines, Hamish Hartlett and first-year player Sam Powell-Pepper contributed 20+ disposals each.

For Collingwood, Steele Sidebottom (36 disposals, eight marks) and Adam Treloar (35 disposals, six tackles) worked tirelessly, while Darcy Moore kicked three goals on a bleak day for the Magpies.



Robbie and Sam Gray celebrate one of Port's goals against the Pies in round 14. Image: AFL Photos.

Keep an eye on

With Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy out of action due to his two-week suspension, Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder will be one player the Magpies must contain on Sunday.

The 206-game veteran is enjoying a career-best season, averaging 36 hit outs, four clearances and nine contested possessions a game.

The former Bomber has looked dominant throughout this season, and is firming as one of the contenders for an All-Australian ruck position.

The other Port Adelaide player the Magpies must keep an eye on is Robbie Gray.

The midfielder/forward tortured the Magpies in round 14, when he kicked a bag of five goals and did as he pleased with the ball.

Furthermore, 29-year-old was the match-winner for the Power two weeks ago, when he roved a Ryder tap from a stoppage to kick the go-ahead goal in the dying seconds against the Saints.



Ryder had 29 hit outs and 10 disposals against the Pies earlier this season. Image: AFL Photos.

Injury List

The Powe boast one of the cleaner injury lists in the competition, with defender Matthew Broadbent and forward Chad Wingard the only two players listed under an injury cloud.

In good news for the club, Port Adelaide expects Wingard to return to face the Pies, while Broadbent will spend another week on the sidelines.

“Chad is coming along nicely, and at this stage he’s a chance to play this week. We’ll see how he goes at training,” the club said this week.

“We probably rushed (Matthew) a little bit early in the year and are probably paying the price, so I think he’ll at least be another week,” Power assistant coach Brendon Lade said.

Port Adelaide’s injury list
Matthew Broadbent (ankle) – 1 week
Chad Wingard (ankle) - test

In the mix

With Wingard firming as Port Adelaide's major inclusion when the teams are announced later today, there could be other changes on the horizon, as flagged by Ken Hinkley after the loss to Adelaide last week.

Midfielder Brendon Ah Chee has been in form in the SANFL, while small forward Jake Neade and former Tiger Matt White could be brought in to the side for their electric speed.

Defenders Logan Austin and Dan Houston are two other players putting their hands up for senior selection.



Wingard has missed the Power's last two matches with an ankle injury. Image: AFL Photos.

Key numbers

Head to head
Overall
Port Adelaide - 14
Collingwood – 14

Played in Adelaide
Port Adelaide - 8
Collingwood - 6

Largest crowds (during the H&A season)
51,883 – Round 1, 1997 at the MCG
44,496 – Round 15, 2015 at Adelaide Oval
43,321 – Round 10, 2003 at Aami Stadium
37,790 – Round 16, 1997 at Aami Stadium
35, 933 – Round 14, 2017 at the MCG

Port Adelaide’s recent form
Round 20 – Port Adelaide (46) def by Adelaide (130) at Adelaide Oval
Round 19 – Port Adelaide (63) def Adelaide (61) at Adelaide Oval
Round 18 – Port Adelaide (65) def by Melbourne (88) at the MCG
Round 17 – Port Adelaide 127) def North Melbourne (57) at Adelaide Oval
Round 16 – Port Adelaide (120) def West Coast (88) at Domain Stadium

Last five times we’ve met
Round 14, 2017 – Port Adelaide (93) def Collingwood (62) at the MCG
Round 11, 2016 – Collingwood (58) def by Port Adelaide (125) at the MCG
Round 15, 2015 – Port Adelaide (66) def Collingwood (63) at Adelaide Oval
Round 19, 2014 – Collingwood (76) def Port Adelaide (70) at the MCG
Round 24, 2013 – Port Adelaide (87) def Collingwood (63) at the MCG