Port Adelaide v Brisbane R15 tips & predictions | AFL 2024

Port Adelaide v Brisbane top picks

Port Adelaide v Brisbane match preview

With their top-eight position in jeopardy, Port Adelaide will need to lift when they host Brisbane this Saturday in round 15 of the AFL.

Port Adelaide’s recent indifferent form continued when they were beaten by the Giants in round 14 in a scrappy and wasteful performance. The Power kicked a woeful 6.15, turned the ball over 69 times, and took a mere six contested marks.

Port are now on the verge of sliding out of finals contention, as reflected in their drifting premiership odds. After successive losses, coach Ken Hinkley is likely to swing some changes this week.

Small forward Willie Rioli looks set to return from a calf injury, with either Francis Evans or Quinton Narkle likely to make way. Ruckman Ivan Soldo was poor in the loss to the Giants and may be dropped in favour of Jordan Sweet, who produced five disposals, 43 hitouts, and one goal in the reserves. Jeremy Finlayson was another standout in the SANFL, with 25 disposals and a goal, and looks close to earning a recall.

Brisbane scrapped home after a late scare against St Kilda in round 14. The previously stuttering forward line delivered 19 goals from nine contributors in a pleasing return to form.

The Lions are placed 13th on the ladder, but given the close nature of the 2024 season, they could jump into the top eight with two more wins. They have plenty to play for and are paying almost even money with AFL bookmakers despite being away from home.

Brisbane suffered no new injuries in the win over the Saints, so changes should be minimal. Young key forward Luke Lloyd continues to excel in the reserves, with three goals, 25 disposals, and 14 marks in his most recent outing, but may need to wait for a call-up. Jarryd Lyons, Harry Sharp, and Henry Smith are also hitting the scoreboard in the reserves but face the same predicament.

Port Adelaide v Brisbane predictions

Based on recent form, Brisbane should give this game a solid shake. If Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood can control the aerial battle, the Lions have a wealth of small goal-kicking talent that can take advantage. That said, it should be a close match, and Brisbane to win by 39 points or less looks like solid value at $2.48 on Unibet.

Port Adelaide’s poor form coincides with inaccurate goal-kicking, and they might contribute little to the total score here. They remain a high-pressure side, so the ball should be hotly contested, but under 170.5 points appears the likely outcome at $1.89 on Bet365.

Brisbane forward Cam Rayner is often overlooked alongside his higher-profile teammates but can prove dangerous when he finds time and space. Rayner kicked 1.3 against the Saints and looks like a decent chance to score another major this week at $1.77 on Neds.

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