There have been some big changes this week. As the margin for error becomes slimmer and slimmer, Hawthorn must find another gear if they are going to keep their finals hopes alive.
A match that would make many Hawthorn fans nervous, particularly after last round’s disappointing result. Ken Hinkley’s Port Adelaide Power has proven to be a thorn in Hawthorn’s side recently, and despite their position on the ladder, seem like they have every chance of continuing their dominance over the Hawks.
Hawthorn blew their opportunity for a top four finish last week after bowing out against the Fremantle Dockers in a finals-like showdown at Optus Stadium. Despite leading by two goals at 3QT time, Hawthorn kowtowed under pressure, allowing the Dockers to kick 4.4 to 0.2 in the final quarter and ultimately relinquishing the lead.
While the pressure was on early, leading to a tight scoreboard, Hawthorn lacked both endurance and the commitment to maintain their effort, relenting in the final quarter. A lack of accuracy around the big sticks also added to Hawthorn’s woes, kicking 9.10 for the match from an equal 51 inside 50s to the Fremantle Dockers.
Freo on the other hand were lethal in the forward 50, kicking 12.5 for the winning score of 77. Sam Switkowski kicked three, while Michael Fredrick, Shai Bolton, and Jye Amiss, each kicked two each.
The bright spots for Hawthorn included the output from second year player, Calsher Dear, who kicked three straight in his second game of the season – Hawthorn’s only multiple goal scorer – and Lloyd Meek, who continued his impressive run of form, with a game high 48 hitouts, four clearances, and a whopping 13 tackles.
Karl Amon stood out as Hawthorn’s leading disposal getter, with 30, and 693 meters gained, while Jack Ginnivan had a strong showing with 27 disposals, three tackles and a goal.
Where Hawthorn faltered the most, once again, was tackling pressure, laying a measly 78 to Freo’s 103 for a -25 deficit. Hawthorn has faced scrutiny over their ability and commitment in applying pressure in the past, particularly between rounds 11 and 12, where they registered a tackle differential of -23 and -44, resulting in notable losses.
Expectations are that the team will consider this as they prepare for their showdown with Port. As coach Sam Mitchell said in the presser following the game:
“We understand that at our best, we can compete with the best, but as soon as we drop away five per cent we get a lesson, and we got one in the last quarter today.”
The Last Time They Met
Reviews were scathing following Hawthorn’s brutal loss back in Gather Round.
Hawthorn travelled to Adelaide for a semi-final rematch with a (arguably) vindictive Port Adelaide – whose resentment of the Hawks was further fanned by the AFL media.
However, it wasn’t to be the clash of titans pundits expected, with Port the only aggressor in the competition. Hawthorn were meek out of the gate, conceding the first three majors before the perennial Jack Gunston finally hit the scoreboard ten and a half minutes in.
By quarter time, Port were five goals ahead. Things would only get worse after the siren, with star midfielder Connor Rozee kicking the first of the second quarter within 80 seconds. Port would go on to register another 5.4 for the quarter to Hawthorn’s measly two goals, blowing the lead out to 59 points by the main break.
Returning from the break with a bit more conviction, Hawthorn managed to wrestle back some of the lead, kicking 4.3 to Port’s 2.3 to win the quarter. At the final break, the margin had become 47 points.
Jack Gunston kicked the first of the final quarter, one of five goal scorers lifting in a relatively spirited fight back. But it wasn’t enough. Despite winning the quarter 7.2 to 4.3, Port’s lead was too large for the Hawks to completely erode. The night ended with the Hawks trailing by 30 points, kicking 14.7 from 48 inside 50s to Port’s 18.13 from 61 inside 50s.
Gunners ended the night with an impressive six majors, while Jai Newcombe was a standout in the midfield with 29 disposals, eight clearances and a goal. Meanwhile in defence, Tom Barrass was important with nine intercept possessions, six marks, two score involvements, and 365 metres gained from his 13 disposals.
Port were dangerous around the clearances, with Willem Drew, Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis combining for 23 clearances, while the side on the whole registered 48 total, with 34 from stoppages.
The Side
Some big changes have been made for both sides, which may have a notable impact on the outcomes of this important match.
First is the omission of Mabior Chol, who is reportedly sporting a groin injury, for Mitchell Lewis. This would be Lewis’ first game of the season and first since his horrible knee injury last year.
Changkouth Jiath will make way for Jack Scrimshaw, while Cam Mackenzie will be replaced with Bailey Macdonald.
Meanwhile at Port Adelaide, there are the noticeable omissions of young gun Jason Horne-Francis, and Connor Rozee, and Willie Rioli; players who were influential last time these two sides met.
Tale of the Tape
Port have won the last four out of five games against Hawthorn. While last year’s meetings were decided by less than five points, Port comprehensively toppled Hawthorn back in round five this season by 30 points.
That was in Adelaide. This time round, Port will have to travel down to UTAS for the first time since 2019. History indicates this should be taken as a good sign. Port’s wins have almost been exclusively in Adelaide, with Hawthorn having played Port Adelaide in Adelaide five times since 2022 and 2022 being the last time Hawthorn beat Port on their home turf.
When Port has to face Hawthorn away from home, the narrative changes. In 2019 and 2018, Port lost to Hawthorn playing at UTAS.
Adding to this, Port has a somewhat depleted side, with notable omissions this week and a growing injury list.
Regardless, the Hawks must make the most of each and every opportunity afforded to them if they are to win this game and, hopefully, add a little security to their position on the ladder, perhaps with a neat percentage booster.
