TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy, 7 mate (northern states)
LUXBET SAYS: Fremantle $1.54. Port Adelaide $2.55.
WHY WATCH
The first semi-final pits Fremantle's grinding method against the helter skelter attack of Port Adelaide.
We know Freo's defensive style stands up in finals - but the Power's run looked unstoppable last Sunday against Richmond.
Only a fortnight ago the Dockers had the better of Port at Patersons Stadium. That was a high-scoring affair.
A preliminary final date with Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday awaits the winner and the loser’s season is over.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Forward Jay Schulz, Port's second oldest player, knows he is running out of time to play in a premiership.
"I think about it daily. I think about it regularly. You don't have that many years in front of you."
"This is such a special time. I have played for a long time and last year was my first experience of finals and it was just such an enjoyable time.
"You want to still be training because if you're not, that means it's it. I want to come to training next week."
LAST FIVE GAMES
Fremantle
L 2 Geelong
W 19 Hawthorn
W 58 Brisbane Lions
W 8 Port Adelaide
L 24 Sydney
Port Adelaide
L 26 Sydney
W 9 Gold Coast
W 103 Carlton
L 8 Fremantle
W 57 Richmond
LAST FIVE GAMES BETWEEN TEAMS
Frem, Port, Frem, Frem, Frem
COLD HARD FACT
Interestingly, Jay Schulz booted six goals in Port's 20-point loss to the Dockers in Round 23 but only managed two in the club's 57-point win against Richmond last Sunday.
The difference was that eight players kicked at least two goals against the Tigers, whereas against the Dockers, Schulz was just one of four multiple goal-kickers.
KEY MATCHUPS
Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich at Fremantle Oval this week. Photo: Getty
The cat and mouse battle in the midfield will be fascinating. And at the heart of it will be Stephen Hill and Kane Cornes.
While the Dockers don't have the same explosive run as the Power, Hill has often been the fire-starter for Fremantle's attacking runs.
Elusive Hill can be devastating on the long expanses at Patersons Stadium, but will be made to work for every one of his possessions against the tireless Cornes.
Cornes gave Hill a touch-up when the clubs met in Round 23 and will probably get the job again.
And expect Ross Lyon to assign his best tagger Ryan Crowley to Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak.
At the skinny ends of the ground, Alipate Carlile is the likely matchup for Matthew Pavlich while Port spearhead Jay Schulz will either have Zac Dawson or Alex Silvagni for company.
But we think the match will be won and lost in the middle.
FINAL WORD
The Dockers are disadvantaged by injury, with Hayden Ballantyne set to sit out with a broken jaw, and key defenders Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson out for the rest of the season.
If this game was at Adelaide Oval, the Power would be favourite.
You can guarantee dominating possession will not be as easy for Port Adelaide this weekend.
But the Power will still back themselves to jump the Dockers early, just as they nearly did in Round 23.
If Port is at least five goals in front at half time, we think they will hold on.
Power by six points.
AFL Semi-Final Preview: Fremantle v Port Adelaide
