Following a strong season opener, Hawthorn will endeavour to keep the winning momentum going when it has its first interstate game of the 2022 season on Saturday.
The Hawks began Sam Mitchell's era as coach in style with a 20-point win against North Melbourne last Sunday.
Now coming up against a strong side in Port Adelaide, the Hawks will seek to cause an upset at the Power's home ground at Adelaide Oval.
The clash will see Hawks skipper Ben McEvoy return for his first match of 2022, with Max Lynch ruled out with a concussion.
Alongside McEvoy, senior star Luke Breust will also make an eagerly awaited return.
Hawthorn has won the opening two games of the season for just five times in the last 30 years, that being in 1993, 2001, 2008, 2014 and 2018.
Details:
WHO: Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
WHEN: Saturday 26 March, 7.40pm (AEDT) / 7:10 (ACDT)
WHERE: Adelaide Oval
BROADCAST: Channel 7 & Fox Footy
How to watch
Thinking of going to the game? Plenty of great seats are still available via Ticketek for our interstate fans.
For those wanting to follow along at home, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and can be streamed through Kayo.
Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for updates throughout the game.
Last time we met
Port Adelaide (87) defeated Hawthorn (53) - Round 16, 2021
There was plenty of buzz around the last time these two met, as the Hawks hosted the Power at the MCG for Shaun Burgoyne's 400th millstone match.
Port Adelaide took early advantage of Hawthorn’s inaccuracy in the first quarter.
The Hawks regained structure in the main break, fighting to lessen Port’s 48-point lead.
A goal from Jacob Koschitzke helped to settle the Hawks and bring the margin back to just 23 points, but unfortunately, the Power’s lead was too strong and they came out on top.
Hawks midfielders Tom Mitchell and James Worpel found plenty of the footy with Blake Hardwick, Lachlan Bramble and Jaeger O'Meara joining the pair as standout players on the day.
Our last game
Hawthorn had a stellar opening to the 2022 season with a 20-point win over the Kangaroos.
The Hawks started strong, but had a tough fight in the second quarter having to overturn a 21-point deficit to ultimately come out on top.
Young gun Changkuoth Jiath was pivotal in his return with 24 disposals (at 83 per cent efficiency) and five marks.
Other standout players included Jack Gunston, Tom Mitchell, Mitch Lewis, James Sicily and Dylan Moore.
Opposition analysis
Port Adelaide came out raring in their opening clash against Brisbane but struggled to retain the momentum, leading by just four points at the half time break.
The Lions turned up the heat kicking five goals to Port’s one in the fourth quarter, taking home an impressive win.
Dan Houston had a career-best 36 disposals and was a crucial player on Port’s side.
