AFL Media's Howard Kotton preview Carlton's Round 8 clash against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium:
SUMMARY
Carlton is aiming for four wins in a row for the first time in almost five years and enters Sunday's match against Port Adelaide full of belief. The Power have more firepower in attack, but the team-defence ethos introduced by Brendon Bolton is starting to pay dividends. The Blues are difficult to score against and apply plenty of pressure to the opposition, often forcing it into error. Their attack functioned much better last week, with Levi Casboult brilliant in the air and kicking three goals. After a patchy start to the season Port Adelaide has returned to the winners' list in the past two games. The Power should be strengthened by the return of dual best and fairest and All Australian Robbie Gray after a hamstring injury.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 15, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2015, Carlton 17.8 (110) d Port Adelaide 16.10 (106) at the MCG
R22, 2014, Port Adelaide 20.20 (140) d Carlton 5.7 (37) at Adelaide Oval
R1, 2014, Port Adelaide 18.12 (120) d Carlton 12.15 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2013, Carlton 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 15.13 (103) at AAMI Stadium
R8, 2013, Carlton 16.13 (109) d Port Adelaide 14.7 (91) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Young star Patrick Cripps was best on ground the last time these clubs met. He finished with 31 disposals and 12 tackles to earn the three Brownlow votes. Marc Murphy and Andrew Carrazzo each had 29 touches. Travis Boak was the Power's best with 27 disposals and two goals.
2. Both teams have struggled in the centre clearances this season. The Blues are ranked last, averaging only 9.3 a game, and the Power are not much better, ranked equal 14th at 12.1 a match.
3. Carlton and Port Adelaide clash for the 29th time. The Power hold a narrow advantage with 15 wins to 12 with one draw. Since 2011 the Blues have been the better team with four wins to three.
4. The Power are the No.1 tackling team this season, averaging 79.6 a game. The Blues have struggled in this category and ranked third last.
5. If the Blues win again it will be the first time since rounds 18-21 in 2011 they would have won four consecutive matches. Port Adelaide will be aiming for three straight victories for the first time since late last season.
6. After booting three goals in the big win over the Brisbane Lions last Sunday, Chad Wingard moved up one place to 16th in the Schick Hydro Official AFL Player Ratings. He is ranked third in the small/medium forwards with 516.7 points. The highest-ranked Blue in the small/medium forwards category is former Crow Matthew Wright (151st overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Kade Simpson
The durable left-footer is in superb form and celebrates his 250th game on Sunday. Key defender Michael Jamison plays his 150th match and the Blues will be keen to win to make it a memorable day for this experienced pair.
