_Mike_
Super Moderator
- Aug 10, 2009
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- #1
This is another huge test for Hawthorn as it looks to turns its season around and feature in the finals. Jarryd Roughead's match-winning goal against Sydney last Friday night moved the Hawks to a 4-6 record and kept them in touch with the top eight. Fellow veterans Shaun Burgoyne and Luke Hodge were also outstanding to help the Hawks rally late and pull off a famous victory. But they will have to be at their best to secure back-to-back wins on the road. Port Adelaide will be desperate to get back in the winners' circle after a heart-breaking two-point loss to Geelong at Simonds Stadium last Thursday night. The eighth-placed Power (5-4) have made light work of teams below them on the ladder this season. Coach Ken Hinkley has them playing an exciting brand of football reminiscent of 2014, when they lost to the Hawks by three points in a preliminary final classic.
1. Hawthorn reigned supreme in disposals, inside 50s and clearances on its way to a 22-point win against Port Adelaide last year. Hawks veteran Luke Hodge was best on ground with 29 possessions, five inside 50s and seven clearances, which was enough for the three Brownlow Medal votes.
2. The Power are the second-highest scoring team in the competition this season with 109 points per game. They also have the second-highest percentage (144.40) and are ranked second for quarters won with 27 out of 36.
3. The honours have been shared between the two sides since 2013, with three wins each. Five of the six games have been decided by less than four goals, with two of those by single figures.
4. The Hawks' defenders are in for a busy night, with the Power leading the League in inside 50s with 62.2 per game. The Hawks are ranked 13th with 49.7. The Power are also fourth for marks inside 50.
5. The Hawks shouldn't fear travelling to Adelaide Oval. They've won three of their five games at the venue, but only one from three attempts against the Power, who are an even 2-2 at home this season.
6. Robbie Gray's move to the forward line hasn't stopped the Power star rising to fifth in the Schick AFL Player Rankings. Gray has kicked 23 goals in nine games this season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Charlie Dixon.
All eyes will be on the Power key forward when he goes back for his first shot at goal after last week's costly mistake against Geelong. Dixon's been in good form, but needs to hit the scoreboard and continue to be the focal point of the Power's attack.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 35 points.
