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.
More AFL Finals:
» Expert tips and predictions
» PREVIEW: Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos
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!
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
| 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?
Join The Roar for live scores, coverage and post-match highlights from 4:45pm (AEST) on Saturday afternoon.
Tim
Guest
I thought I was just being honest about the Dockers Bryan...........lol :)
bryan
Guest
Amazing,Tim!--- In a comment about Port Adelaide's chances against the Hawks,you managed to slip the boot into the Dockers! :)
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
If Port beat us, ill dip my hat to them and admit they were the better team, but, just cannot see it And in fact, think we will win easily
New York Hawk
Guest
Tim, I hope you are correct! I think you are, but I am nervous. Having said that, I think this is a bridge too far for Port, as we are just too professional, clinical and ruthless. Go Hawks!
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Not nervous at all Ron, just posting what i think of the match
Bunratty
Guest
Hope you are watching JLG.....go Port!!
Ron wilderson
Guest
Exactly right. Brad Eberts another good example
Ron wilderson
Guest
Don't know that 4 finals can't be played and premiership collected. From memory Sydney and West Coast both did it in recent times so all this sore body weak mental excuses is exactly that. The best team will win the game. Maybe you are just a bit nervous yeah
Slane
Guest
As a Tigers supporter I was always a little ticked that Hardwick kept giving games to Grigg and Conca over Matty White. As the saying goes: if you don't use it you lose it. Good luck Matty, carn Port!!
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
You have to give dues to Port for beating Freo in the west last week, but the gloss comes off the win for it was largely aided by Freo's mental weakness in big games, and the fact they have a weak under belly in their team. In regards to the lesser players in their 22, that are easy to exploit. I think there is a toll they took from that match that will impact in the prelim in regards to the legacy of sore bodies, and 3 weeks of travel. In comparison, the hawks are rested, at near full strength, and playing at home Hawthorn will win easily by 42
Brian
Guest
As always it will be about the midfield. We need another good game from Hale and then Lewis, Mitchell & Burgoyne to get it our way.That will force Gray into MF as well. Hopefully Hodge can play off HB as directing players in split second decisions will be crucial. Interestingly both teams seem to be a lot better finishers then starters in their big games recently.
Franko
Guest
Hope the Hawks are ready to run... Should be a beauty, especially if the rain stays away.