St Kilda will enter foreign territory – both figuratively and literally – for its historic clash against Port Adelaide in China.
The Saints’ expedition to the Middle Kingdom poses as a great opportunity for the club in many facets, but a 6-5 figure before the bye may be the most valuable prize of them all.
But the Power will be no pushover, with Ken Hinkley’s men determined to chalk up another four points after recording just the one win over Gold Coast in the past month.
Nathan Brown told saints.com.au the club would rather play Port Adelaide in China rather than on their home turf at the Adelaide Oval; a formidable fortress for any side.
Yet from its two encounters at Jiangwan Stadium against Gold Coast, the Power boasts a perfect 2-0 record.
The Saints have been busy themselves in preparation for the Shanghai Showdown with a specialised heat training regime, but the Power are notorious for bringing heat of their own through their bullish on-ball brigade.
Port have won the total clearance count in eight of their 10 outings by an average of almost 10.
It’s undoubtedly been Travis Boak who has led the charge through the middle, with the 30-year-old leading the Power for tackles (57) and ranking third in the league for total possessions (318).
In seven of his 10 games this season, the former skipper has notched up over 30 disposals and has laid an average of six tackles per game.
He’s been aided well by fellow hard-nut Sam Powell-Pepper (98 contested possessions), who has only upped his output following the injury to Ollie Wines.
The Power could be without Tom Rockliff, but should he be fit to play, will add another dimension to the already potent Port Adelaide midfield.
The All Australian leads Port’s clearances (69), while his sheer accumulation of the footy has seen two 40+ disposal outings.
It poses as an intimidating force for the Saints’ midfield, but the flair of Jade Gresham, the consistency of Seb Ross and the toughness of Jack Steele will hope to foil the Power’s attack.
Robbie Gray, however, embodies all three traits, with the veteran arguably Port Adelaide’s most damaging asset.
Marking his return from injury last week with 27 touches against Hawthorn, Gray’s polish and class will need to be curbed by the Saints.
While the young contingent of Connor Rozee, Willem Drew, Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters have headlined the Power surge of 2019, the unsung defence has been just as pivotal.
Tom Clurey, Darcy Byrne-Jones and Dougal Howard have been dominant through their intercepting skills and tall marking, while the rebounding plays of Ryan Burton and Dan Houston have served as the springboard to catapult the Power into offence.
Similarly, St Kilda’s Nathan Brown has been resolute down back, and after enjoying a solid display against Carlton last week will set his sights on Justin Westhoff.
But while the new-look defence has often been the story for the Saints, the incredible comeback of skipper Jarryn Geary will take centre stage.
Geary suffered a corked thigh in a goal-saving effort against Melbourne in Round 5, but the hit was so severe, it required emergency surgery just hours after the game.
Now, just 44 days later, the inspirational Saint will lead his side out for its first ever foray into China.
Sunday poses as a landmark event for St Kilda, and if the red, white and black could snatch the four points, the overseas excursion could prove memorable in more ways than one.
