Port Adelaide v Geelong AFL preview & best bets – June 15, 2023

Port Adelaide Power v Geelong Cats AFL predictions & best bets

Port Adelaide v Geelong R14 match preview

This Thursday night, the Geelong Cats travel across to Adelaide to face the Power in what shapes to be the AFL match of the round. Looking for a statement win, the Cats will be on a mission to end the Power’s 10-game winning streak while getting their own season back on track.

Last weekend the Port Adelaide Power took on the Western Bulldogs down in Melbourne. A fast-paced, high-scoring game, the Power ultimately proved too strong, winning by 22 points as their tall forwards took advantage of an undersized Bulldogs backline. Once again, the star midfield pairing of Connor Rozee and Zak Butters took control of the game, combining for 54 disposals and two goals between them.

The Cats had the bye last week, but before that they also faced the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, with the game playing out in a very similar fashion as they won won by 22 points. Without a game last week, the Cats have now dropped out of the top eight, sitting in ninth spot. In the past three years, Geelong have won each of their games coming off the bye, with the difference in rest between the sides this weekend providing another factor.

One of the key problems that the Geelong Cats have faced so far this year is injuries to their key midfield players. In a boost for this weekend, it is expected that captain Patrick Dangerfield and fellow midfielders Max Holmes and Mitch Duncan will all return. With the star-studded midfield that the Power have, these players will all have a big role to play.

Looking at ball winners in this one, it is hard to go past the red-hot Butters. This season he has taken his game to another level, winning the ball and also hitting the scoreboard. Over the last five weeks he averages 32.4 disposals a game, winning both the inside and outside ball. He hasn’t looked like slowing down, so get on him for 30 or more disposals at $1.92 with the top online bookmakers.

Coming off an injury layoff, Charlie Dixon came in and immediately made a difference by kicking three goals in the first quarter, ending up with four in the game. With Todd Marshall also back in the team, the Power forward line proved too big for the Bulldogs defence. Expect much of the same this weekend, as Dixon should be too big for his matchup and will have more than enough opportunities to kick two or more goals ($1.78).

Looking at the head-to-head market, it is hard to look past the Power as they shoot for their 11th consecutive win. Across the year they have proven they can win in a multitude of ways – whether in tough, low-scoring scraps, or end-to-end shootouts. And while Geelong’s best is right up there, we have not seen that anywhere near often enough this seen. Look for the Power to keep their win streak going this weekend as they push for top spot on the AFL ladder ($1.59).

Key matchup: Aliir Aliir v Jeremy Cameron

Aliir Aliir vs Jeremy Cameron

A big matchup in the forward line this week as Aliir Aliir has the task of taking on star forward Jeremy Cameron. Given the best forward each week, expect Aliir to be up for the challenge as he has all the tools physically and experience wise to keep up with Cameron in all areas of the game.

Whilst Cameron is clearly Geelong’s best goal threat, look for him to find his way up the ground to generate space inside 50 while also dragging Aliir away from marking contests. If Geelong are going to win this game, a major part will be Cameron getting the better of this matchup, hitting the scoreboard and setting up teammates.

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