Adelaide Oval will play host to Thursday's Round 5 AFL game between Port Adelaide Power and Melbourne Demons. The game kicks off at 7:40 pm with Melbourne Demons heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Port Adelaide Power vs. Melbourne Demons game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday April 7, 2022 at 7:40 pm
Where: Adelaide Oval
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Port Adelaide Power vs Melbourne Demons Odds
Port Adelaide Power vs Melbourne Demons Preview
Starting the season 0-3 is hardly the death sentence it used to be, but a fourth consecutive loss to reigning premiers Melbourne on Thursday night would make the finals a pretty tough ask for Port Adelaide.
The Power lost a game they’d like to have back last week in the Showdown against the Crows, largely due to Travis Boak’s inaccuracy and some undisciplined footy that setup the game-winning, walk-off goal.
Things aren’t about to get any easier against the Dees, a side that has been cruising through the gears since lifting the premiership last year.
Melbourne was forced to earn it last week against the Bombers, but like we saw a week earlier against the Suns, the Dees’ class eventually shone through as Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, and Sam Weideman left their mark on the game.
Looking ahead, this shapes as another difficult week for Ken Hinkley, who suddenly finds himself on the hot seat only six months after his side played in the Prelim Final.
Robbie Gray and Charlie Dixon are both a chance at returning, but the injury list still makes for grim reading with Aliir Aliir and Orazio Fantasia still a few weeks away.
None of that bodes well for Port, particularly against a top-class Melbourne outfit that ranks third in disposals per-game, fifth in points, and third in inside 50s.
Combine that with the Demons’ 31-point win at the Adelaide Oval last year, and the -17.5 about Melbourne suddenly looks generous.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $1.35 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Christian Petracca at $14.
Port Adelaide Power vs Melbourne Demons Teams
POWER
B: R.Burton, T.McKenzie, T.Clurey
HB: R.Bonner, T.Jonas, D.Byrne-Jones
C: D.Houston, O.Wines, K.Amon
HF: Z.Butters, M.Georgiades, C.Rozee
F: S.Mayes, T.Marshall, S.Powell-Pepper
FOLL: S.Lycett, W.Drew, T.Boak
I/C: S.Motlop, L.Jones, J.McEntee, J.Mead
EMG: M.Bergman, S.Hayes, M.Frederick, T.Dumont
IN: T.Clurey
OUT: S.Skinner, M.Frederick (both omitted)
DEMONS
B: T.Rivers, S.May, A.Tomlinson
HB: J.Harmes, J.Lever, J.Hunt
C: J.Bowey, C.Petracca, E.Langdon
HF: A.Brayshaw, T.McDonald, L.Jackson
F: A.Neal-Bullen, S.Weideman, C.Spargo
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, J.Viney
I/C: J.Jordon, T.Sparrow, B.Fritsch, K.Pickett
EMG: T.Bedford, B.Howes, L.Dunstan, K.Chandler
IN: J.Lever
OUT: J.Smith (HS Protocol), T.Bedford (sub)