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Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne AFL Round 17 Tips - Kangaroo hoodoo at the Adelaide Oval to continue

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Wed 01 Jul 2026 10:00

Port Adelaide is tipped to win comfortably over North Melbourne in AFL 2026 Round 17 at Adelaide Oval. After a strong win against Adelaide, the Power’s midfield—driven by Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis—should control the game, while Mitch Georgiades poses a serious threat up forward. Despite North Melbourne’s recent wins, they’ve struggled against strong teams and are yet to defeat Port at this venue. The key recommendation is to back Port, with key players expected to cover the line and impact the result.

Adam Cusworth 01 Jul 2026
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  • The game will be played at Adelaide Oval on Sunday July 5, with the first bounce at 4:40pm (AEST)
  • Can the Kangaroos break Adelaide Oval curse?
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Mitch Georgiades

Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne, Round 17 2026 - Expert Prediction


Port Adelaide will put a dent in North Melbourne's finals hopes with a comfortable win when the two sides meet at Adelaide Oval in AFL Round 17.

The Power come off a strong performance at the venue when defeating Adelaide last weekend and have had the wood over the Kangaroos, despite going down when the two sides met earlier this season.

Their midfield has begun to click over the past month and that should again be the difference. Zak Butters is in outstanding form, having collected 25 or more disposals in each of his past five matches and 30 or more in 10 of his past 14. His ability to win clearances and drive the Power forward makes him one of the standout players in this matchup.

Jason Horne-Francis has also elevated his game, providing another powerful midfield presence while continuing to hit the scoreboard. With the pair driving Port around the contest, the Power should gain first use and generate enough supply for their dangerous forward line.

Mitch Georgiades looms as one of the biggest threats inside 50. The key forward has an outstanding record against North Melbourne, booting 10 goals in four matches against the Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval. His aerial presence and ability to capitalise on repeat entries make him a strong chance to add another multiple-goal performance.

North Melbourne arrive with confidence after winning three straight matches, but those victories have come against sides currently below them on the ladder. The Kangaroos continue to accumulate plenty of uncontested possession through Harry Sheezel, Caleb Daniel and Luke Parker, but they have at times lacked polish inside forward 50 and will face a far sterner challenge against Port Adelaide on the road.

  • The Power have never lost to North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval
  • Port Adelaide registered 32 scoring shots to 16 in their win over the Crows last weekend. 
  • Mitch Georgiades has kicked 10 goals in four matches at the venue against North Melbourne. 
  • Zak Butters had 37 disposals last weekend.

Head to Head Stats


North Melbourne were 46-point winners against Port Adelaide in Round 1 this season, with that match played at Marvel Stadium. Port won the six matches prior to that and have never lost to the Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval.

Standout player performances in the recent head to heads have come from;

  • Mitch Georgiades (Power) - 10 goals in four outings against North Melbourne.
  • Cam Zurhaar (Kangaroos) - Two or more goals in four of his past five against the Power.
  • Harry Sheezel (Kangaroos) - 30 or more disposals in his past two against Port Adelaide.
  • Luke Davies-Uniacke (Kangaroos) - 25 or more disposals in four of his past five against the Power, with 24 in the other.

Port Adelaide Form Analysis


Port Adelaide's 5-10 record does not paint a true picture of how competitive they have been this season. Five of their losses have come by three points or fewer and they bounced back from a 26-point loss to Collingwood by producing one of their best performances of the year, defeating Adelaide by 26 points.

That margin could have been greater but for inaccuracy in front of goal, with the Power finishing with 13.19 (97) from 32 scoring shots. Mitch Georgiades booted three goals to take his tally to 34 from 15 matches, while Zak Butters led from the front with 37 disposals. Jason Horne-Francis collected 29 disposals and kicked a goal.

Butters has now recorded 25 or more disposals in his past five matches and 30 or more in 10 of his past 14. Horne-Francis has kicked nine goals across his past five games.

North Melbourne Form Analysis


North Melbourne come into Round 17 with an 8-7 record and have won three consecutive matches, defeating West Coast by one point before accounting for Richmond by 25 points and Essendon by 14.

In the win over Essendon, the Kangaroos registered 321 uncontested possessions, the most by any side in a single game this season. Caleb Daniel dictated play from half-back with 41 disposals, his second consecutive game with 40 or more, while Harry Sheezel collected 43 and Luke Parker added 31. Sheezel has now reached 30 or more disposals in seven of his past 10 matches.

The Kangaroos have multiple avenues to goal, with Charlie Spargo, Jacob Konstanty and Jack Darling all kicking multiple goals last weekend. Nick Larkey leads the club's goal-kicking with 32 majors from 15 matches.

Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne Team List & News


  • to be updated after team selection on Thursday

Port Adelaide Team News


Port Adelaide came through the Showdown without any injuries. Miles Bergman is edging closer to a return, while Will Brodie and Todd Marshall produced solid SANFL performances and will come into selection calculations.

North Melbourne Team News


George Wardlaw will be monitored after jarring his knee against Essendon, while Tristan Xerri missed that match with a jaw injury but could return this week. Paul Curtis has another week to serve on suspension, while Bailey Scott and Zac Fisher continue to impress in the VFL.

Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne AFL 2026 Round 17 FAQ’s

  • How to watch Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne AFL 2026 Round 17?

    You can watch the Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne AFL 2026 Round 17 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

  • How to buy tickets to Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne AFL 2026 Round 17?

    To buy tickets to the Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne AFL 2026 Round 17 game check the AFL website or the official Port Adelaide site.

Verdict

Port to cover with Butters and Georgiades influential
Best Bet1: Port Adelaide -15.5 Line $1.88 at OnlyBets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Zak Butters To Have 28+ Disposals $2.02 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Mitch Georgiades To Score 3+ goals $1.67 at dabble - 1 Unit
Port Adelaide -15.5
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