Port Adelaide Power vs Geelong Cats Preview
Geelong will chalk up another big win when they take on Port Adelaide in AFL Round 7.
The Cats knocked over the Western Bulldogs by 75 points last weekend and have produced some big margins in their past three against the Power.
Port Adelaide pushed the second-placed Hawks to within three points last week and boast a high-end midfield led by Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis, both in strong form. The concern remains their lack of depth across the ground, which is likely to be exposed against a well-drilled and experienced Geelong outfit.
The Cats’ strength around the contest and their ability to spread into space should put consistent pressure on the Power defence, creating repeat inside 50s. That sets the game up for Jeremy Cameron, who looms large again after his 10-goal performance last weekend and shapes as a strong 4+ play.
With attention likely to go to Butters and Horne-Francis, Ollie Wines looks a solid option for 25+ disposals, but Geelong’s ability to control territory and capitalise on their chances should see them pull away and comfortably cover the 27.5-point line.
- Geelong have won their past three against Port Adelaide by an average of 83 points.
- The Cats have a 4-2 win-loss record in 2026, while the Power are 2-4.
- Jeremy Cameron has kicked 17 goals in his past three matches.
- Ollie Wines had 32 disposals the last time the two sides met.
Head to Head
Geelong have won the past three against Port Adelaide by big margins, all by 76 points or more, including an 84-point win in the 2024 Qualifying Final, which was the last time the two sides met at Adelaide Oval. They were 76-point winners at the venue in Round 11 last season.
Standout performances in recent meetings include:
- Bailey Smith (Geelong) – 30 disposals in both matches in 2025
- Jeremy Cameron (Geelong) – 17 goals in his past three
- Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide) – 32 disposals in the most recent clash
Port Adelaide Power Form Analysis
Port Adelaide sit 2-4 and went close to producing an upset last week in their three-point loss to Hawthorn. They went down to St Kilda in Gather Round the week prior by 14 points, despite dominating inside 50s (60-39) and having more scoring shots.
Zak Butters starred with 35 disposals and has had 30+ in his past five, while Jason Horne-Francis had 26 and two goals, making it two weeks straight with 25+ and 2+.
The concern for Port Adelaide is their over-reliance on key midfield players and a lack of depth across the ground. They have lost 10 of their past 12 matches against sides that played finals in 2025.
Another issue is their inability to start games strongly and control territory early, conceding early clearance dominance and allowing opposition sides to dictate field position, which has put them under pressure. This is something that could be exposed heavily against a system-driven Geelong outfit.
Port Adelaide Power Team News
Port Adelaide remain without Connor Rozee for an extended period but got through last weekend’s match without any fresh injuries. Will Lorenz and Jackson Mead are among those pushing for selection with solid SANFL form.
The lack of continuity and depth, particularly outside their core midfield group, remains a concern. While their top-end talent is strong, the drop-off across other lines makes it difficult to sustain performance against elite opposition.
Geelong Cats Form Analysis
Geelong come in with a 4-2 record and have handled a tough draw well, going 2-2 against last year’s finalists before comfortable wins over West Coast and Western Bulldogs.
The win against the Bulldogs was highlighted by Jeremy Cameron’s 10-goal haul, while Bailey Smith had 33 disposals to extend his streak of 30+ games to five. Max Holmes had 28 and has hit 25+ in every game this season.
Geelong’s key strength lies in a highly structured, system-driven game built around contest dominance and controlled ball movement. They dominated contested possessions and inside 50s (67-41), continuing a trend from the previous week.
Geelong have a proven ability to set the game up early and then absorb challenges. That has been a hallmark of their best performances and makes them difficult to stay with for four quarters.
Geelong Cats Team News
Geelong got through the Bulldogs match unscathed. Mark O’Connor is set to return from suspension, while George Stevens and Mitch Knevitt continue to press for selection with strong VFL form.
With strong availability and selection pressure across the list, Geelong head into this clash settled and well-balanced. Their depth allows them to maintain structure even if changes are made, a key advantage over a Port Adelaide side still searching for consistency.