Questions to ponder ahead of Round 3: Can the Pies be re-heated, Are Port the real deal, Can Jezza's form last for the Cats?
Collingwood look far off the conquering team of 2023 and one aspect of real concern is their struggles in defence.
After a weekend off it’s time for the Hawthorn Hawks to front up against the Port Adelaide Power for a spot in the 2014 AFL grand final.
Port Adelaide are flying high after recovering from a 31-point deficit against the Dockers in Perth last weekend to record an impressive 22-point win.
Backing up their 57-point win against Richmond in the first week of the finals with such a strong away performance means that the Power’s confidence is back at full strength.
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Their 2014 campaign had appeared destined to fail after their early season form dried up in the second half of the year, seeing them tumble out of the top four.
But form has struck at exactly the right time for the boys from Alberton, meaning Saturday’s clash becomes a contest between two legitimate contenders.
The Hawks enter as deserved favourites, with home ground advantage and rested legs sure to play a part in this match. They are also one of the most well drilled outfits in the league and their big-game experience means they know how to stay calm and make the right decisions when the moments come calling.
MATCH INFORMATION:
Day: Saturday September 20
Time: 4:45pm (AEST)
Venue: MCG
TV: Seven Network (LIVE), Fox Footy (LIVE)
Betting: Hawthorn $1.35, Port Adelaide $3.25
The Power have the most recent win on their side, getting home by 14-points in Round 10 at Adelaide Oval.
At the MCG, the Hawks and Power haven’t faced off since 2011. In that match, Hawthorn recorded a remarkable 165-point victory, a game in which Buddy Franklin kicked eight goals, Cyril Rioli kicked six, and the side had 15 individuals boot majors.
The Hawks don’t have Buddy anymore, and Rioli won’t be a factor either as he sits on the cusp of a potential grand final return if the Hawks are to advance.
But Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston are more than capable of commanding the forward line, and the Hawks are not short of contributors in front of goal – you don’t become the league’s highest scoring side without some depth up front!
Match | Venue | Home vs Away | Result | Disposals | Goals |
Round 10, 2014 | Adelaide Oval | Port Adelaide defeats Hawthorn | 100-86 | Lewis 38 | Monfries 4 |
Round 16, 2013 | AAMI Stadium | Port Adelaide defeated by Hawthorn | 79-124 | Boak 34 | Roughead 5 |
Round 20, 2012 | Aurora Stadium | Hawthorn defeats Port Adelaide | 159-87 | Boak 32 | Puopolo 5 |
Round 11, 2012 | AAMI Stadium | Port Adelaide defeated by Hawthorn | 62-108 | Sewell 33 | Franklin 4 |
Round 21, 2011 | MCG | Hawthorn defeats Port Adelaide | 197-32 | Mitchell 33 | Franklin 8 |
Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard were instrumental in Port’s second half revival against the Dockers last weekend, each kicking 4 goals.
Gray’s contributions have been consistent this season, but he cannot be the only spark for the Power on Saturday afternoon.
Wingard has looked back to his best in the AFL finals so far and will need to continue this trend if Port Adelaide are any chance.
A big contribution will also be needed from Justin Westhoff. The ‘Hoff can be instrumental when on-song, but can just as easily vanish from games.
The Power are a confidence side and appear to have shaken off the cloud of dodgy form that saw them slump from first to fifth in the second half of the season. They will enter this match full of belief; the kind of belief that saw them go 10-1 to start 2014.
Can the Power turn their running game up a notch and race their way to a grand final appearance?
Or will the Hawks experience shine through?
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