Familiar opponents
If you think Freo has played Port Adelaide a fair bit recently, you’d be right. In round 23 both teams played off for a double chance in the finals. After Freo won that contest, both teams met again a fortnight later for the semi-final in Subiaco where a late Power surge helped them get over the line. And to keep the new rivalry going, the port clubs will face off in a blockbuster season opener this Sunday 5 April at the newly named Domain Stadium. In the last five match-ups, Freo has had the edge, leading three wins to two.
Ballas is back
Hayden Ballantyne has been included in the preliminary TAB 22 squad after recovering from a calf injury sustained in the NAB Challenge match against Sydney. Freo’s All Australian forward also missed the 2014 semi-final against Port with a broken jaw. He was the difference in the round 23 ‘top-four play-off’ match when he booted four second-half goals to help guide Freo over the line by eight points. His goal kicking prowess and link-up play with fellow dynamite small Michael Walters will be crucial if Freo is to turn off the Power.
A Powerful opponent
A full-strength Port Adelaide side will be making the trip west. Jackson Trengove, Hamish Hartlett and Chad Wingard have all been included in their squad after recovering from injury. New recruit Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries have been also cleared to play after the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal’s verdict on Tuesday. Shutting down the likes of Robbie Gray, Jay Schulz and Wingard will be a key task for Freo.
Watch: A Powerful contest
Pearce's 50th game for Freo
He played 154 games for Port Adelaide and Freo regular Danyle Pearce will makes his 50th appearance for his new side. Pearce has now played every game since he arrived at the club and will look to continue that run after being named in the preliminary TAB 22 squad. Last week saw Pearce play for for Peel Thunder after recovering from a pre-season calf injury.
Pearce misses's 'spine-tingling' Freo chant
Starlight Purple Haze
It’s the 13th annual Starlight Purple Haze game supported by Fremantle Ports. Freo fans are renowned for their fantastic support of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, with almost $800,000 raised since the game began. Starlight supports seriously ill children in WA, by aiming to brighten up their experience in hospital. Last year saw Freo fans raise more than $151,000 for Starlight and everyone looks forward to another big total going towards such a great cause.
Get your purple on for your chance to win!
