The form
Hawthorn is 2-1 after three rounds and will be looking to replicate the form that earned the Hawks two wins against Geelong (Round 1) and Western Bulldogs (Round 3).
Port Adelaide did not get the start it was hoping for with two close losses against Fremantle and Sydney respectively but a hard-fought win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in Round 3 will have given Port confidence heading into the clash.
Recent history
Alastair Clarkson’s side has won four of its last five games against the Power. The two sides faced off most recently in a thrilling 2014 preliminary final, which Hawthorn won by three points. Port Adelaide took the points in their home-and-away match-up last season, with a 14 point win at Adelaide Oval in Round 10.
Possible returns
Port Adelaide will be hoping that ruckman Matthew Lobbe recovers in time to face the Hawks after missing the first three rounds with a quad strain. Ollie Wines will miss around a month after injuring his wrist and could be replaced by Aaron Young – who was impressive against North Melbourne – or Paul Stewart, who had a solid outing in the SANFL last week. The Hawks will keep an eye on the fitness of Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo and should welcome back Bradley Hill after the speedster missed last round’s clash with the Bulldogs.
Is Lewis the key?
Jordan Lewis has been in sparkling form after three rounds of football and could prove to be the difference against the Power. The Hawks midfielder leads the competition in total disposals with an average of 36.7 per game. Lewis sits in second place overall for marks taken (28) and his five goal assists have him sitting in equal third place.
Attacking Hawks
Hawthorn’s average score of 108.6 points per game has the Hawks rated as the number one scoring team after three rounds while Port Adelaide’s 75 points per game has the Power ranked third last. Jarryd Roughead is equal second on the Coleman Medal leader board with 11 goals after a seven-goal performance last round.
The spearhead – highest ranked Hawk in the official AFL player ratings – is an important part of the Hawthorn attacking machine and may match-up against Port defender Jack Hombsch.
Can the Power midfield win it?
Ken Hinkley’s side will be hoping a strong midfield performance could be the key to victory. It was the Port Adelaide midfield that was integral to the Power’s last win against the Hawks in 2014 with Travis Boak, Brad Ebert and Angus Monfries starring.
Brad Ebert was impressive against North Melbourne, with three goals and 22 disposals but has also averaged just fewer than 28 disposals so far in the season. Ebert will be joined by Hamish Hartlett and Travis Boak – who also impressed against the Kangaroos last round.
