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It’s a rematch of last year’s thrilling preliminary final as the Port Adelaide Power host the Hawthorn Hawks for some ANZAC Day footy at Adelaide Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7.10pm Local, 7.40pm AEST.
Just three points separated these sides when they last met, as the Hawks hung on against a fast-finishing Power outfit to book their place in the 2014 Grand Final.
Given the dominant display the Hawks produced against a flat Sydney the following week, Port Adelaide fans have no doubt been left wondering what might have happened if they had just one more goal on their tally.
Nothing can change the result of that game, but the Power, earmarked as premiership contenders this year, might just take a big step towards redemption today.
The big news for them is that Matthew Lobbe is back in the side after missing the first three games of the year. Not only is Lobbe an excellent ruckman, but he will also free up off-season recruit Paddy Ryder to play as a tall target up forward.
Port have also recalled veteran Kane Cornes who was rested from last week’s 8-point win over North Melbourne, the Power’s first victory for the year.
Hawthorn have made only a single change to the team that thumped the Western Bulldogs in Launceston last week. Brad Hill returns from a concussion and Jed Anderson is the player to make way.
So who wins it? Hawthorn have undoubtedly been in the better form to start the season, with two big wins over Geelong and the Bulldogs, and a surprising by close-fought loss to Essendon.
However, while Port are only 1-2 from three rounds, they’ve played some competitive footy in recent weeks, and showed some strength in what was a thrilling game against the Kangaroos.
These two sides have a lot in common – both use their speed and their precision skills to their advantage. It’s a mouth-watering match-up for fans who love their footy.
Prediction
I’m honestly pretty evenly split in terms of who I think could win this – while the Hawks are ahead in the betting markets, I don’t see there being much of a gap between these teams as it stands. I’m going to go with my gut, and my gut says the home team will get across the line.
Port Adelaide by 6 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7.10pm Local, 7.40pm AEST.