Port Melbourne v North Melbourne
Saturday, May 19
North Port Oval
First bounce: 2.00pm (AEST)

Storyline

North Melbourne’s VFL side will travel to North Port Oval to challenge reigning premiers Port Melbourne.

After disappointing performances in back-to-back losses against Essendon and Richmond, the young Roos will look to secure their second win away from home in just three attempts.

Port Melbourne’s premiership defence has gone from strength to strength, winning four consecutive games after losing to Richmond in Round 1.

The game proves to be a must-win for both sides, albeit for different reasons.

Tackling approach

Statistically speaking, Port key players Isaac Conway, Mack Rivett and Matt Arnot were at their best in the centre of the ground against Footscray last weekend.

The trio posted impressive numbers and was listed among the best in the competition for their tackling output. Conway and Rivett laid eight tackles each, while Arnot was top of the pile with nine of his own.

Their aggressive pursuit of the footy at the stoppages allowed the hosts to run home with the game in a one-sided second half, where they booted 10 goals.

North midfielders Nash Holmes and Nick Rippon were the best for the royal blue and white in this category in Round 6, adding seven and six tackles respectively.

In previous games, Roos' co-captain Chris Jansen has led by example with his relentless tackling efforts.

Jansen’s hard-at-the-ball style has been a signature of his game in the season proper and was crucial to North securing wins in difficult conditions against the Blues and Coburg.

A similar approach could prove vital to North’s chances.

Big defensive task

Defensive pillars Sam Durdin and Ben McKay are on the cusp of senior selection for their consistent performances in the VFL.

Their versatility will be tested on Saturday afternoon by Port Melbourne forwards Anthony Anastasio, Blake Pearson and Jordan Lisle, who combined for seven goals between them last weekend.

Although Durdin and McKay will be heavily favoured due to their aerial dominance with overhead marks, it’s the contest at the feet that will raise eyebrows with Port proving to be dangerous each time it enters the forward 50.

With the bulk of Port’s high balls falling towards Lisle, the man management of roaming small forwards Anastasio and Pearson will be one to watch.

Meanwhile, Borough defensive flankers Dillon Viojo-Rainbow and Luke Tynan could have their hands full, tasked with containing Will Walker and Nathan Hrovat. The pair continue to display glimpses of their best when given space in attack.

As opposition continue to focus on North’s tall forwards, Saturday’s game could provide a timely opportunity for North’s smaller forwards to make an impact.

Familiar face in former Roo

Former North forward Robin Nahas will line up in opposition colours at North Port Oval.

The 30-year-old, who played 34 games over three seasons at Arden St, has been a stand-out for Port this season and has continued to wreak havoc on opposition defences while getting plenty of the footy.

Nahas was best on ground against Footscray, getting 32 disposals across multiple roles in and around the attacking arc. Despite not impacting the scoreboard, his run and carry was a highlight for spectators, providing legs for Port’s midfield.

His eight uncontested marks highlight the creative freedom Nahas was given in a display that could go down as one of his best in 2018.

A number of tall Roos could match up on the key threat, depending on his initial placement at the first-bounce.

Port Melbourne team

B: Tynan, Cook, Viojo-Rainbow
HB: Lange, Van Unen, Rivett
C: Anastasio, Arnot, O’Sullivan
HF: Hooper, Beddison, Wooffindin
F: Nahas, Lisle, Pearson
R: Haretuku, Conway, Templeton
Int: Carr, Conway, Dickson, Knowles, Krakauer, Lloyd, O’Brien, Walker
23P: Phillips

Burning questions

How will North bounce back?
On the back of a tough day at the office against Richmond, resulting in an 88-point loss, there’s no disputing the stakes against Port Melbourne.

In his post-game interview with North Media, David Loader admitted that it would be interesting to see how North’s emerging list would respond to consecutive losses.

With a host of AFL-listed players looking to make a case for senior selection, the Roos have now been given an opportunity to upstage the fifth-placed Port Melbourne and return to their winning ways.

Will Taylor Garner play four quarters?
Whenever the pulsating forward is around the footy, attacking opportunities continue to present themselves.

Garner was eased back into the VFL last week and made an immediate impact. 

If he can get involved early and up his game time, North's number 27 will be hard to contain.

Can North get out of the blocks early?
A slow start at Etihad Stadium allowed the Tigers to open the proceedings with seven unanswered goals.

Although North worked hard to keep a fast-finishing Richmond at bay, absorbing fast starts from its opposition could become a worrying trend.

A four-quarter performance at North Port Oval will have the Roos well-placed for an improved showing.

Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Port Melbourne at North Port Oval with the first bounce at 2.00pm.