Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, April 3, 5.10pm (AWST)

TV: Live on 7, Fox Footy and Kayo

Last time we met: Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) def. West Coast 6.5 (41) at Metricon Stadium, round four, 2020.

Led by powerhouse Charlie Dixon, who bagged six goals, Port Adelaide was far too good on the day as West Coast slumped to a third-straight loss following the season restart. That heavy defeat sparked the Eagles into action, though, and they reeled off eight-straight wins from then onwards to resurrect the campaign.

Tom Barrass marks in front of Charlie Dixon

What it means for the Eagles: If last week’s seven-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium was a pressure test of West Coast’s credentials, then flag fancy Port Adelaide will give the Eagles another audit to see where they are at. Even at this early stage of the year, there is a big difference between 2-1 and 1-2 as the ladder starts to take shape, and overcoming the Power would be a major boost for Adam Simpson’s men.

The stat: Both clashes between the sides at Optus Stadium have been decided by 42 points, with one win apiece.

Nic Naitanui will have another big say on proceedings

The match-up: Nic Naitanui v Scott Lycett

Fresh off a dominant 40-hitout and 11-clearance performance against the Dogs, the Eagles’ star ruckman will come up against former teammate and 2018 premiership big man Lycett in a match-up that could have a decisive influence on the crucial midfield contest. Lycett has also been in good form, averaging 17 disposals, 27 hitouts and a goal in Port's opening two wins. The good mates know each other’s games inside out so, as Naitanui said this week, it will come down to who executes better on the day.

Luke Shuey should be back against the Power

It’s a big week for: Luke Shuey

The 2018 Norm Smith medallist has forged his reputation as a big-game player - as the Power can attest from the 2017 elimination final - and there is no better time for the skipper to return from his hamstring niggle. Shuey’s innate understanding with Naitanui, explosiveness breaking away from stoppages and elite delivery onto a forward’s chest is difficult to replace, and – if he gets through Captain’s Run on Friday - he will be welcomed back against a hardened Power midfield led by Travis Boak and Ollie Wines.

Big call: In-form full-back Tom Barrass to keep Dixon goalless.