HAWTHORN will be out to claim its 11th win in 12 starts when it takes on Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
With a top-two finish still up for grabs, the Hawks need to keep winning to stay in the race for a home qualifying final – and will be wary of the Power after a loss in Round 4.
The Hawks will face a Power outfit that still has a slim – but mathematical chance – of playing finals football.
Port Adelaide currently sits 10 points outside the top eight, with three games to play.
The form
Hawthorn
The Hawks will enter the match on the back of consecutive victories, against West Coast Eagles (14 points) and Geelong (36 points).
Cyril Rioli is fresh from a six-goal haul against the Cats, while Sam Mitchell is averaging a touch under 32 disposals over the past month.
Port Adelaide
The Power kept their season alive with a 21-point win against GWS Giants last week – and have now won three of their past four matches.
Forward Chad Wingard has kicked two or more goals in his past 12 games – and has a season tally of 47 majors.
Recent history
Last time the Hawks and Power met, in Round 4 this year, it was the Power who got home by eight points in a thriller at Adelaide Oval.
The Power got off to a flying start – kicking eight goals to one in the first term – and the Hawks came home strongly, but just fell short.
The Power have won two of the past three, but the Hawks have won six of the past eight.
Ins and outs
Hawthorn
It’s another tough week for Hawthorn’s match committee, with almost a full squad to choose from.
Ruckman Jon Ceglar could be in contention to return from a back injury, but will have to displace either Ben McEvoy or David Hale for a senior berth.
Ryan Schoenmakers is waiting in the wings as a key forward, while Taylor Duryea, Jed Anderson and Angus Litherland all played at VFL level last week and will be in consideration.
Port Adelaide
The Power will be without a number of key players through injury, including gun midfielder Ollie Wines and key defender Jackson Trengove.
Ruckman and vice-captain Matthew Lobbe could return after a dominant performance in the SANFL last week, while key forward Jay Schulz is a test after being a late withdrawal against the Giants.
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