Port Adelaide v Melbourne betting tips and prediction | AFL Rd 3

Port Adelaide v Melbourne best bets

Power v Melbourne match preview

Port Adelaide will face their sternest test this season when they clash with Melbourne in their AFL Round 3 clash at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

The Power, chasing a third successive win, have been installed a $1.48 favourite by bookmakers to defeat the Demons ($2.70), who have faced another tough week in the media, following the drug revelations surrounding the AFL.

After a soft home win over West Coast to kick off their season, the Power travelled into enemy territory for Round 1 and were too good for the Tigers at the MCG, overturning a half-time deficit to comfortably win by 30 points.

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The final two quarters were pleasing to fans as the young squad appeared full of running and happy to scrap for every possession until the final bell. The Power drew a bye in Round 2 and should be nice and fresh for this fixture.

The Power emerged from the Richmond clash almost injury-free. The only concerns appear to be Lachie Jones, who was subbed with a corked thigh but should be fine, and Jason Horne-Francis, who missed the Richmond game with a hamstring niggle. Jed McEntee took a blow to the head against the Eagles and must complete concussion protocols before being eligible to return, but otherwise, the side looks stable and well-balanced at this early stage of the year.

The Demons were far too slick for the Hawks in Round 2, leading from the opening minutes to run out 55-point victors. Melbourne generated nine goals by dominating the clearances 35 to Hawthorn’s 23, with Christian Petrecca leading the charge. Bayley Fritsch continued his red-hot form to boot 5.1 with assistance coming from Kade Chandler and Kysaiah Pickett. The Demons will face a sterner test on the road, but after consecutive victories, will back themselves to give this game a crack.

Eagle-eyed scouts reported that enigmatic Melbourne star Clayton Oliver suffered a hand injury during training this week that required scans, but he is a tough nut and should push through the pain. Jake Lever has been cleared of a serious knee injury after a heavy bump in the game against the Hawks and will face a test this week, and Stephen May will miss with broken ribs in a blow to Melbourne’s defensive line. Marty Hore appears set to start after entering as the sub last game, and Adam Tomlinson produced a big effort for Casey in the VFL and might earn a recall for this contest.

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Port Adelaide v Melbourne tips

With both sides scoring freely in their last fixtures, this game is expected to be an open and attacking contest. The Melbourne forward line looks much more potent with Kysaiah Pickett running around, and Port kicked 122 points in their win over Richmond. Fine, warm weather is also forecast which should assist.

Port midfielder Willem Drew is developing into a serious talent averaging over 21 disposals and seven marks for the season. Standing 188 cm we fancy his chances of taking an overhead grab within goal-scoring range and hitting the scoreboard, like he did against the Tigers.

Power v Demons prediction

We are sticking with Port to get the job done here and are tipping them to cover the 13.5-point line. The Power might be flying under the radar somewhat at this stage, but a big win over a credible opponent will show that in an even year, Port will be very hard to beat at home and have a serious chance to impact the AFL finals.

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