AFL Round 17 comes to a close on Sunday with a matchup between Port Adelaide and North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval. The Power are coming off a big win in the Showdown and will be looking to build some more momentum, while the Kangaroos are aiming to remain firmly entrenched in top 10 calculations.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Power vs Kangaroos below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 17
Power Seeking Consistency
Josh Carr finally got the response he was looking for last week, steering Port Adelaide to a gritty 97-71 Showdown upset over the Crows. It was a rare highlight in a tough 5-10 campaign that has the Power sitting 15th on the ladder. Zak Butters led from the front, bringing a ferocious physical edge that completely disrupted Adelaide's midfield flow. The challenge now is replicating that hunt. Port has struggled for consistency all year, but if they can bottle that derby intensity, they have the defensive framework to make things uncomfortable at the Adelaide Oval.
Kangaroos Chasing the Top 10
North Melbourne crosses the border with momentum after grinding out a 14-point win over Essendon. While their three-game winning streak has come against lower-tier sides, it keeps Alastair Clarkson's men within striking distance of the new top-10 wildcard spots. Sitting ninth with an 8-7 record, the Roos cannot afford to drop winnable games if they want to play finals football. Nick Larkey will lead the line in his 150th milestone match, and with a confident midfield finding plenty of the football, the visitors should have a genuine belief they can secure a crucial result on the road.
A Tactical Arm Wrestle
Recent history is on North's side here. They absolutely dismantled Port Adelaide back in Round 1, walking away from Marvel Stadium with a comprehensive 46-point victory. The Roos piled on 113 points that afternoon, completely exposing the Power's transition defence. While Port will try to slow this game down and control the territory at home, they will have to work overtime to curb a North Melbourne outfit has started to build winning habits.
The Verdict
Taking North Melbourne to cover the +17.5 line is the play. The emotional and physical toll of a Showdown victory is massive, and teams frequently suffer a major letdown the following week. This is a classic danger game for a vulnerable Port Adelaide side. The Kangaroos are highly motivated to lock in a top-10 position and will lift for their captain's milestone match. Given North already holds a psychological advantage from their Round 1 blowout, they should at least push the Power all the way here.
North Melbourne +17.5
$1.91 (2.5 Units)
Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne Prop Bet
After a couple of quiet weeks by his standards, Luke Davies-Uniacke returned to form with 25 disposals last weekend against the Bombers. He’s averaging exactly 25 over the course of the season and loves this matchup against the Power – he's averaging 27.6 in his last five matches against them. Very juicy odds on offer.
Luke Davies-Uniacke 25+ Disposals
$2.47
Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne Same Game Multi
North Melbourne +24.5: For the reasons highlighted above. Also taking them with an even bigger cushion in our SGM.
Mitch Georgiades 3+ Goals: While we like North to be in this contest up to their eyeballs, Mitch Geordiades will be a tough cover for their defence. He kicked three against North earlier this season and has been one of the best key forwards in the competition all year.
Luke Davies-Uniacke 25+ Disposals: For the reasons mentioned above in our prop bet. He’s excellent juice to our SGM.
Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Sunday 5th July
Time: 4:40pm AEST
Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Odds: Port Adelaide $1.38 vs North Melbourne $3.10
Line: -17.5
Points: 171.5
Where to Watch Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne
You can watch the Power vs Kangaroos live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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