PRIMUS WARY OF CATS
Mark Heenan 15 July 2006

By Mark Heenan An undermanned Port Adelaide have flagged the prospect of playing AFL finals even if they lose against Geelong on a slippery Skilled Stadium tomorrow.

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In 11th spot on the AFL ladder with six wins, the Power need to overcome the loss of Stuart Dew (suspension), while Peter Burgoyne’s season is over after tearing his hamstring against Richmond last week, to remain on track for a finals berth.

Burgoyne had surgery to re-attach his hamstring in Melbourne on Thursday, by surgeon Jillian Feller, the same surgeon who performed the task on Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd.

19-year-old Alipate Carlile makes his debut for the Power, while former Brisbane Lions player Tom Logan, 20, has been included in the team.

“It’s a big game in that regard (in terms of finals), if we lose this (the season) is not over it’s just gets tougher (because) we’ve got a hard run home,” Port Adelaide assistant coach Matthew Primus said at Skilled Stadium today. “I still think we’re a chance to make the eight and so does the club, but this game isn’t make or break, but it’s certainly big for us and a big test for us.”

Port Adelaide, who competed in a 30-minute training session at Skilled Stadium today, play five of their last seven matches away from AAMI Stadium.

Primus says Geelong’s inconsistent season could favour the visitors, as the Cats attempt to snap a three-match losing streak at Skilled Stadium. “I think teams come down and think they’re a chance here with their form this year, it’s probably similar to teams playing us in Adelaide at the moment. We think if we’re close to them, we’re a chance to get them at the end of the game – but saying that we need to get off to a better start than in previous weeks.”

In round 16 last year, Geelong thrashed the Power by 79 points at the Cattery in a rain-affected match.

“Yeah we’re down a few players, and the ground doesn’t hold the greatest fond memories from last year,” he said.

Primus expects the versatile Cameron Mooney to line-up as he shrugs off a leg problem and Geelong attempts to get their season back on track. “I think Geelong’s season is on the line….. our season is getting like that, I don’t think they will be coming out complacent at all,” Primus said.

“I think he (Mooney) will be looking forward to these conditions, it’s going to be a bit of a scarp and that wants Cameron is looking forward to, they won’t risk him I wouldn’t think. He’s probably one of their most dominant players that we really have to shut down.”

Port Adelaide has won only one match at Skilled Stadium from their five attempts.