AFL players will be going out into the community this weekend with Port Adelaide’s David Rodan and Alipate Carlile in attendance in Pirie.

The Bulldogs look to have the edge on what we have seen in the first two rounds, but you can never discard the Cats when they come up against their arch rival, the green and whites.

The teams met in round one and for the first half of the game Sollies were first to the ball and served it right up to Port but fell away after half time.

If the Cats can maintain that form for four quarters they are

certain to give the Bulldogs a fright.

Following a slow start against the cats in round one, the Bulldogs started well against Lions last week, not allowing Lions to kick their first goal until late in the third term.

Port has had many players in good form, none better than Tom Clarke whom has been in excellent form in both games, giving Port good drive all around the ground and he is one player Sollies will have to try and contain.

The Cats’ Allan Margatich dominated the ruck the last time these teams played, but Port co-captain Ben Luteria who has currently inherited the rucking job will give his all, and keep Margatich honest.

The Bulldogs looked quick last week against Lions and Norm Wombat was a welcome inclusion with his skill and pace and he is another that will need to be checked closely by the Solly on-ballers.

Port forward line could be strengthened this week with Adam Wilson and Vance Remphrey both up for selection.

They will free up centre half forward Brodie Mudge who kicked four goals against Solly last time.

Key Solly backman Mark Scollin may be given the job on Mudge, while Ryliegh Bateson will play a key roll in the Cats defence. Veteran Damian Foster can always be relied on to kick goals for Sollies and he will be danger up forward but Port’s Nathan Lynch and Jack Clarke are sure to play him close.

Kane Wallace who kicked three goals for the Cats against Port last time will need to be checked more closely this time.

The Bulldogs also may have the services of past captain Jamie McNamara who only played three games in 2007, and Greg Phillips who played in their 1999 premiership team.

Both players are itching to get back into the team. Sollies also may be strengthened by Chuck Sawyer who missed the opening two rounds with injury.

The Bulldogs with many players running into form last week should prove too good for Sollies, but if the arch rival can maintain pressure on the green and whites for four quarters, the game could end up being an interesting contest. Port by 30-40 points.

Lions to tackle winless South

Lions will travel to Port Augusta this Saturday to tackle a winless South Augusta so far this season.

Lions after their disappointing performance against Port last Friday have much to improve on.

South, despite not winning a game, has performed creditably against their opponents in Port Augusta. They will provide a strong challenge for the young Lions team.

South Augusta is a versatile side with plenty of young and developing talent. The experienced and goal scoring ability of Bradley Amos supported capably by Dwayne Crombie and the elusive Christian Reid will be crucial if the Augusta ‘Bulldogs’ are set up a winning score.

Key opponents in Tom Harmer, Shaun Edwards and Scott Wardle will have the tough task of restricting their influence. Tom Harmer’s last game at full back was impressive.

Darren Shillabeer will be a player who also will need to be watch closely whether he is positioned as a

centre line player or as a forward. Todd Kernahan is showing promise in the centre half forward position.

The rucking duels could well determine the outcome of the game. South’s Brock Laube and the Lion’s Jonathon Haynes will lead respective rucks. Brock is learning but continues to be impressive for such a young player while Jonathon’s pre-season form and game against Sollies was outstanding. This contest will be watched closely, as both teams have potentially very damaging onballers to take advantage of any ascendancy gained.

Lions had a rude awakening against Port and will need to regain some of their promising early season form to be able to challenge a

disciplined South Augusta unit.

South Augusta like the Lion’s team has a number of impressive young players at various stages of that Lion’s players.

Both supporter groups should anticipate a keen contest with plenty of skill, pace and fitness on display.