By ZAC MILBANK
Overall Record
Played: 12
Port: 7
Adelaide: 5
Never met in a SANFL Final
Last Three Meetings
Round 13 2019
Port 15.9 (99) d Adelaide 10.9 (69) at Memorial Oval in Port Pirie
Round 7 2019
Adelaide 18.13 (121) d Port 16.9 (105) at Alberton Oval
Round 14 2018
Adelaide 17.14 (116) d Port 8.12 (60) at Kadina Oval
Billy Frampton (Port) v Andy Otten (Adelaide)
This looms as a pivotal battle in the outcome of the Qualifying Final. Frampton has booted 32 goals from 11 outings this season, including a seven-goal haul against Central in Round 18. The strong-marking West Australian is in ominous nick, presenting a great challenge to retiring Crows veteran Andy Otten. Otten should be refreshed as he was the travelling emergency for Adelaide last weekend and he will need to be as he looks to combat Frampton in the air. Don’t underestimate Otten’s timing and ability to position his body as the ball enters Port’s attacking 50m zone.
Jack Trengove (Port) v Patrick Wilson (Adelaide)
Two of the best midfielders in the competition will go toe-to-toe in the centre square. Trengove has been a standout at the bookends of the season after having five matches on the sdielines with a leg infection while Wilson has been his consistent self while also managing an AFL appearance against Carlton at the MCG. Former Melbourne captain Trengove, averaging 32.5 disposals, provides the Magpies with great leadership and a composed set shot on goal. Wilson, averaging 27 disposals, is a master at winning vital clearances from the stoppages and pumping the ball inside 50m for the Crows.
Joel Garner (Port) v Tyson Stengle (Adelaide)
This could be an exciting window into the future for both clubs if Garner is asked to quell Stengle inside the Crows’ attacking 50m arc. Considered a future leader at Alberton, Garner shows tremendous poise and courage under pressure playing across half-back for the Magpies, evidenced by him pushing into the Power side for four AFL games this year. But the left-footer could have his hands full standing Stengle, who has been a dynamo for the Crows in booting 30 goals this season. The former Richmond goalsneak looms as the Crows’ long-term replacement for Eddie Betts so they will be looking to see him shine on the big stage in SANFL finals.
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