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.
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Tim Holt
Roar Guru
All dues to Port, to pants us the way they did in the early parts without vindicated stars in Wines and Gray was very impressive. That Boak is a serious footballer, and with Selwood and Hodge is the best leader in the AFL As for us, it didn't help losing Lake early No excuses, we did not turn up to the races, like in the Dons game
AB
Guest
Yeah, a funny game. Hawthorn dominated every stat - some of them (like inside 50s) by a mile - yet still lost. And for 20 minutes in the first quarter, Port embarrassed Hawthorn like no team has for many a year. And then Hawthorn pretty much controlled the rest of the match, but were too far behind to pull off a miracle win. All quite bizarre. What does it all mean? Not much, except to demonstrate that both teams will be in the top four come the end of August.
never say never
Guest
They led by 58 points and then ended up winning by only 8 points Beating hawthorn by any margin is a huge result so port fans should still have good reason to enjoy the win Don't forget hawthorn biggest losing margin last year was only 20 points so it shows how hard it is to put hawthorn to the sword
AB
Guest
Wow! Talk about a game of two halves. Port were unstoppable in the first half, especially the first quarter. I haven't seen Hawthorn look so powerless and overwhelmed in at least four or five years. But then the Hawks totally dominated for the entire the second half and actually got within a sniff of winning. Incredible game. Bottom line is that both clearly look like top four sides - the intensity and skill level was a cut above the Essendon/Collingwood game, for example. Neither side made many mistakes and both looked very slick in their respective dominant halves. But both have had a tough start to the year and are now 2-2.
Josh
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Yep, Travis Boak wins the Badcoe medal - essentially a BOG medal named in honour of South Australian Victoria Cross recipient Peter Badcoe. 30 disposals, 8 clearances, 2 goal assists from Boak tonight.
Josh
Expert
Peter Badcoe medal about to be announced, I reckon I'd tip Travis Boak to take it home but there's a fair few who could lay claim.
Josh
Expert
FULL TIME PORT ADELAIDE 15.9.99 HAWTHORN 13.13.91 Port Adelaide hold on!
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17 seconds left. Brendan Whitecross has a long shot on goal which Justin Westhoff marks. PORT ADELAIDE 15.9.99 HAWTHORN 13.13.91
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31 seconds, ball in coming about half way up the ground. Power have it. PORT ADELAIDE 15.9.99 HAWTHORN 13.13.91
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1:13 on the clock, ball in coming to a stoppage in Hawks forward 50. PORT ADELAIDE 15.9.99 HAWTHORN 13.13.91
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90 seconds to go. Ball in the Hawks forward line. PORT ADELAIDE 15.9.99 HAWTHORN 13.13.91
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BEHIND PORT ADELAIDE 2:24 REMAINING Matt White kicks a behind. PORT ADELAIDE 15.9.99 HAWTHORN 13.13.91
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GOAL HAWTHORN 2:42 REMAINING Taylor Duryea slots a goal! The Hawks are just SEVEN points down! PORT ADELAIDE 15.8.98 HAWTHORN 13.13.91
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3:30 on the clock, ball in Port's forward line but Grant Birchall has it. PORT ADELAIDE 15.8.98 HAWTHORN 12.13.85