Cemented by their two electric close clashes last season, the burgeoning Port Adelaide v Hawthorn rivalry enters a new chapter this Gather Round.
Following a well-deserved bye, Hawthorn enter Gather Round having maintained their spot on the top of the ladder with a healthy percentage off the back of their 4-0 start.
While the Hawks remain undefeated this season, Port Adelaide currently sit at 12th on the ladder following a 1-3 start, including losses to Collingwood, Essendon, and, most recently, Saint Kilda.
Port has been a bogey team for Sam Mitchell since taking on the role of head coach at Waverley, having lost four of the last five games against Ken Hinkley’s men. Most memorable were the last two encounters, including the inaugural Gather Round, where the Hawks lost by one point after leading by as much as 41, and last year’s semi final, where they fell by three points. Both games were played at Adelaide Oval.
Things have been tense between both sides since last season, not simply due to the close games, but thanks to some cheeky online banter, on field sledging, and the media’s inflation of the two. However, such drama has left fans on either side eagerly looking forward to the rematch.
When They Last Met
As mentioned above, Hawthorn last met Port Adelaide on their home turf in the semi final last season. It was a nail-biter of a game that was ultimately decided by less than a goal.
Although it was a low scoring first quarter, Port Adelaide started strong, fighting hard after an embarrassing loss in the elimination final the week before. The Hawks were on the back foot for much of the first half, kicking a mere two points in the first quarter but stabilising in the second with four majors.
However, Sam Mitchell’s men seized the opportunity to mount a comeback in the second half, shaving the margin down from nine points to five come the final break. It was neck and neck from there on out, with both sides kicking another four majors in the fourth quarter.
But ultimately, it was Ken Hinkley’s men who hung on by their fingernails. A missed set-shot opportunity from captain James Sicily left many wondering “what if”, as the siren soon sounded and Port fans erupted into applause at their sides’ three-point win.
Rued missed opportunities aside, it was a solid game for an inexperienced side that had defied expectations for many after a shocking start to the season.
Jai Newcombe was outstanding with 31 disposals and six clearances, head and shoulders above every player on the night, rounding out a sensational season for the young midfielder. And number five pick, Nick Watson, continued to show the footy world that he was made for finals footy, kicking three goals from eight disposals.
Coming Up This Sunday
Six months on, much has changed at Hawthorn, plenty of which should have Hawks fans cautiously optimistic come Sunday evening.
Firstly, the additions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass has elevated Hawthorn’s defence, which is now second best in the competition according to Champion Data. Their size and experience should prove useful in shutting down forward Mitch Georgiades, who had a sizable impact on the scoreboard back in the semi final, and Ollie Lord, who has continued to show signs of promise for Port’s forward line.
Secondly, Hawthorn’s overall form this season sees them sitting on the top of the ladder, a far cry from their 17th position this time last year. Meanwhile, the tables have turned for Port who, having previously sat comfortably at third twelve months ago, find themselves currently placed at twelfth.
Hawk’s fans’ cause for concern comes at the tragic loss of midfield star, Will Day, who will be sidelined for multiple months due to a stress fracture in his foot. Day was absent both times Hawthorn lost to Port last year, giving some the impression he may have been the missing piece to the Hawks success.
On the brighter side, James Worpel looks set to return, having been missed in the midfield since injuring his ankle in Opening round. The Worpedo’s presence in the Hawks engine room should help bolster their clearance rate, with the midfielder remaining in the top 50 for total clearances despite his absence.
Speaking of clearances, a fascinating match-up between Jai Newcombe and Zak Butters is on the horizon, with Newcombe sitting sixth in the competition for average clearances, while Butters is placed third.
One area Port Adelaide should have the advantage, besides the homeground, is in the air. Port currently average 103.3 marks per game while Hawthorn average 87. They also maintain a slight edge in the possession game, averaging 379, plus 29 on Hawthorn (350).
Hawthorn’s deficits on the stat sheet have been on Mitchell’s mind, however, and have likely been addressed over the bye.
The Squad
Mitchell will be keeping to this season’s winning formula thus far. The only omission being Day, whose absence will no doubt be felt. Coming in this week is, again, James Worpel, who should help alleviate Day’s loss. Meanwhile Henry Hustwaite has been rewarded for his blistering form in the VFL, named in the extended squad alongside ruck Ned Reeves, and defender Jai Serong.
In Short
This will be an interesting test for Hawthorn. It is their first Sunday twilight match since last season, and their first game in Adelaide since the semi final. They’re coming off a bye, a disadvantage for some clubs, and carry a lot of hype from their 4-0 start.
They’ll be without their talisman, Will Day, who has been present for 16 out of 19 wins for Hawthorn between 2024 and present. And this is the next big game for the Hawks until facing their rivals in Geelong in the classic Easter Monday clash.
It may not seem like there is a lot riding on this game, but psychologically the stakes are high.
A win here could put Hawthorn in a near indomitable position for much of the season, or at least until the next bye. Banishing the spectre of last year’s most difficult losses and moving forward with improved confidence, drive, and playing style is the goal here. This should be the exciting game to close out this year’s Gather Round the AFL wanted when it drafted up this weekend’s draw.
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn
Round 5 • Sunday 13 April 2025 • 7:20 PM (AEST)
