We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
PORT ADELAIDE v WEST COAST
Sunday 17 March @ Adelaide Oval
Well this one should not take long to preview.
Port Adelaide will be so eager to begin the year. They rocketed into the Finals a percentage off second spot, had it set and ready to pour the pressure on and yet limped out with back to back losses.
Both times they were under scoreboard strain at the half and were monstered late. All the expectation was around the coach to re-sign, he did in August and then the finals occurred.
The Power has recruited for the now to make sure Hinkley has all the tools they believe he needs. They bring in Zerk-Thatcher and Ratugolea plus add Soldo in the ruck. Will that make the biggest difference?
Then all those midfield confirmations of Butters and Rozee say it's all in right now.
What it really should have little impact on, is the result of this first game. West Coast is just trying to sort through the rubble of 2023 and try to come out the other end.
To end with a percentage of 53 even though on the same wins as North was almost indictable. Often terrible but mostly uncompetitive, it was surprising they didn't swing more changes.
Naturally the biggest will be the attention paid to Harley Reid as the first pick in the Draft. Ya think the media in Perth hasn't built this up! He's been on more headlines than he'll kick goals in his career almost.
Port will be very annoyed if this isn't a big score at home. They need to make a statement and this is a good place to start.
Match Selection: Port Adelaide by 53 points
Suggested Bets: Port Adelaide 50+ @ $1.90 @ bet365