Hawthorn Vs Port

[Chris_23]

Big game for both teams tomorrow, you guys can 'leap-frog' us and move into second or we can go a game clear in second position. Interesting to see Primus named, any of you guys heard any news? Apparently he was having a fitness test this morning, he will obvioulsy be a huge bonus for Port if he can play. Shaun Rehn hasn't been playing too well recently, he's under an injury cloud actually and chances are that he won't play tomorrow, he'll be replaced by Brett O'Farrell. Jade Rawlings may also struggle to be fit, i saw him at training last week and he did virtually nothing and he was still proppy....Jon Hay should play though.

No doubt this game will be won in the midfield, Port have an excellent midfield, ours isn't to bad either but not quite as imposing without Shane Crawford and Daniel Chick. Our backline wins games for us, we run very hard off half-back, almost like a wave. I haven't really seen enough of Port to tell how they play, can someone shed some light on that for me?

Final Prognosis: We will have many problems containing your midfield but hopefully our backline will hold up like they usually do and Nathan Thompson, John Barker, Trent Croad and Ben Dixon can cause enough havoc in your defence for us to just sneak over the line......Hawks by 13pts.

Any thoughts?

May the best team win....which will be Hawthorn

 

[carb70]

Chris this should be a good game. At this stage it looks like Primus will play. His replacement last week Dean Brogan has been named to play for South Adelaide in the SANFL tomorrow so unless Port are trying to play games with Hawthorn Primus will play tomorrow.

Port strength is it's midfield and if they get 1st use of the ball I can't see any one in Hawthorns midfield who can stop the likes of Francou and Stevens especially now Chick and Crawford are out.

You say the Hawks run hard off their backline line which is good but the only thing is don't turn the ball over because it will be back in our foward line twice as quick. Port is very quick and our disposal is very good and precise.

I believe Port should win. Well I hope so because my sister is a mad Hawthorn supporter who is a bad loser but she is an even worse winner.

 

[Grave Danger]

This really is Port's best opportunity to beat Hawthorn, given the quality players out for the Hawks. I worry about Primus coming back too early - is it worth the risk in the long run?

Hawthorn will be keen to debunk the 'post Essendon traumatic stress disorder' theory (and Port thrashed the Cows the week after losing to Essendon, so it's just an excuse for soft clubs like Richmond and Sydney).

However, if Primus is genuinely fit and Port play their fast, direct, confident game, they should win - but it will be a good contest.

Port's three tall defenders Mead, Paxman and Wakelin should cope OK with the tall Hawks forwards, while Kingsley, Wilson and Montgomery provide plenty of rebound into attack.

Given the absence of Cindy and Chick, Hawthorn will have to play negatively in the midfield, unless some unlikely type steps up.

Some of Port's forwards are overdue to kick a few goals, even though different people are making contributions each week. Dew, Francis and Schofield would be itching to get on the scoresheet more prominently this week - these are the guys that can overcome good defences with their speed and long kicking for goal. And hopefully Chad Cornes will spark up this week with younger brother Kane in the side (if he gets a decent run on the ground) - they combined pretty well in a couple of Ansell Cup games this year...