HAWTHORN won't fear Port Adelaide's running power in the clubs' Anzac Day rematch of last year's epic preliminary final, sharpshooter Luke Breust says.
The Power talked up their fitness campaign over summer, declaring the third pre-season under coach Ken Hinkley and fitness guru Darren Burgess had pushed their players to breaking point in the search for a physical edge.
Port skipper Travis Boak this week said his teammates had been driven by the painful memory of their three-point preliminary final defeat at the MCG.
From 28 points down in the final term, the Power charged home but ran out of time just as the Hawks were running out of steam.
But small forward Breust, who is developing as an onballer, doubted Port was any fitter than the back-to-back premiers.
"I wouldn't say they're fitter but they certainly run out games pretty well and they play a high-tempo brand of footy, so I think that's why it's perceived that they are a good running side," Breust told AFL.com.au.
"They've got some guys in their team who are very quick. I think outside perception and the footy world believe they are a quick side and can run out games very strongly."
The Power will be without young bull Ollie Wines (dislocated wrist) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, but Hinkley's side still boasts an engine room led by Boak, Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett and Jared Polec.
However, the Hawks' mix of inside ball beasts – such as veterans Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and even spearhead Jarryd Roughead – plus outside speedsters Isaac Smith and Bradley Hill (set to return from concussion) is the envy of most sides.
"Certainly our midfield has expanded over the past few years and we've got some great outside runners," Breust said.
"Billy Hartung came in on the weekend and played a really good role. Bradley Hill will come back and (we've got) Isaac Smith and Liam Shiels (hamstring) when he's there.
"So we've got some good outside runners as well and can hopefully match (Port) in that area."
Coming off a career-best season, which netted him an astonishing 57.12 in front of goal and a first All Australian guernsey, Breust is eager to develop his midfield craft in 2015.
The 24-year-old showed his nous around stoppages last year and averaged 1.9 clearances per game, although that figure has dropped to 0.7 over the first three rounds.
His radar is still on target – he's booted 9.4 this year, including a bag of five against Geelong in round one – but Breust said he's determined to contribute in more than one part of the ground.
"Obviously it was pleasing to start that way (against the Cats), but the past two weeks have been a little bit quieter so it would be nice to get back into some form on the weekend," he said.
"I'm getting into the midfield but probably not having the impact I usually have.
“(The Power are) a great side and their outside run can really kill you if you do let them win the inside battle and get it to their runners.
"Again this week it will be a main focus to at least break even in contested ball and clearances and then hopefully that stops some of their run."
Hawks don't fear Port's running power, says Breust
HAWTHORN won't fear Port Adelaide's running power in the clubs' Anzac Day rematch of last year's epic preliminary final, sharpshooter Luke Breust says.