For Ballarat, Saturday’s maiden AFL game at Mars Stadium will be huge no matter what the result.
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For the competing teams, granted the Bulldogs have committed to growing the game in the western region of Victoria, once the ball is bounced at 1.45pm it is down to business between two teams who desperately need the four points.
The Western Bulldogs premiership defence is on the line while the sixth-placed Port Adelaide will be eager to ensure it cements a home final or lands a double-chance in the top four.
The long-term benefits of playing in Ballarat promise to be significant as the Western Bulldogs further grow its supporter base in the western region.
But in the short-term, gaining victory over Port Adelaide is a must or else it will face being the first premier to miss the top eight the next year since Hawthorn of 2009.
The Dogs have found form in the second half of the season, last week’s loss to GWS snapping a four-game winning streak. With two rounds remaining the reigning premiers sit ninth, but only percentage off seventh.
Port Adelaide has struggled against quality opponents this season, developing a poor win-loss record against top eight sides this season. The question remains, are the Dogs regarded as a top team this year?
Regardless, it is a huge match for Power if it to position itself well for a successful finals campaign.