AFL Preview: Hawks v Power

SUMMARY

Port Adelaide seemingly kick-started its season after knocking over the Hawks in round four, but that performance was a rare high in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

The Power have won three of their past four but are highly unlikely to make finals, and they will need to be at their best to challenge the in-form Hawks.

Alastair Clarkson's men have rolled to 10 wins from 11 starts and need to keep pushing hard to try to secure a top-two berth and avoid a trip to Perth during the first week of finals.

WHERE AND WHEN

Etihad Stadium, Friday, August 21, 7.50pm  AEST

TV, RADIO AND BETTING

Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

R4, 2015, Port Adelaide 15.9 (99) d Hawthorn 13.13 (91) at Adelaide Oval
2PF, 2014, Hawthorn 15.7 (97) d Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) at the MCG
R10, 2014, Port Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Hawthorn 13.8 (86) at Adelaide Oval
R16, 2013, Hawthorn 19.10 (124) d Port Adelaide 12.7 (79) at AAMI Stadium
R20, 2012, Hawthorn 24.15 (159) d Port Adelaide 13.9 (87) at Aurora Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. Port Adelaide's win over Hawthorn on Anzac Day was built on a stunning eight-goal first quarter. Jay Schulz kicked five majors for the game. Travis Boak starred with 30 disposals, while Jordan Lewis had 36 touches.

2. The Power have to short-circuit the Hawks' scoring to cause an upset. The Hawks average 16.5 goals per game, compared to Port's 13.2.

3. Both coaching groups will put plenty of work into opposition small forwards. Cyril Rioli, Luke Breust and Paul Puopolo have combined for 103 majors this year. At the Power, stars Chad Wingard and Robbie Gray have slotted 69 goals.

4. Hawthorn has enjoyed playing at Etihad Stadium recently winning 13 of its past 14, including the past three by 60, 63 and 138 points. These teams have never played at Etihad.

5. Stopping the Hawks' possession game is the key to dismantling Alastair Clarkson's outfit. Hawthorn averages a league-high 395 disposals – 36 more than Port (14th).

6. Robbie Gray has been a shining light in a disappointing season for the Power. The star mid/forward has soared up the Official AFL Player Ratings to fifth overall after starting the year in 36th spot.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Bradley Hill

The electric wingman has been down in form the past three weeks, averaging only 12 touches, and needs to rediscover some spark. Hill is a gamebreaker for the Hawks and they'll want him firing for finals.