HAWTHORN has seen off a fast-finishing Port Adelaide outfit on Thursday night, extending their lead at the top of the ladder with a 22-point win at Adelaide Oval.
The Hawks led by 36 points in the final term but the Power surged late - kicking three quick goals to reduce the margin to 17 with almost four minutes to play.
They finished the game full of attack but ultimately it was a run left too late; Bradley Hill kicked a goal after the siren to cement the 15.11 (101) to 12.7 (79) win.
Hawks skipper Luke Hodge was a standout despite being booed with each of his 29 possessions after last year’s hit on Chad Wingard, while Jordan Lewis (25 disposals, two assists) and Cyril Rioli (three goals) were also hugely influential.
Robbie Gray (29 disposals, two goals) and Matthew Broadbent (28 possessions)and Wingard (three goals) showed moments of brilliance to boot three goals.
The Power were dealt an early blow when hard-working midfielder Brad Ebert was sent to hospital with concussion after taking a sensational mark.
As forecast, there was plenty of niggle in the opening term, with Rioli and Jay Schulz having a bit to say to each other before Rioli gave away a 50m penalty to gift Ollie Wines his first goal.
Rioli had the last laugh though, catching Power defender Tom Clurey inside attacking 50 and converting the goal to draw Hawthorn within two points at the first change.
The freedom of flow seen in the first quarter gave way to a scrappier style of football in the second, with both sides struggling to keep possession.
The Hawks hit the front through Jonathon Ceglar and Luke Breust, but the Power refused to lie down.
Matthew Broadbent ended the half forgettably - missing a goal before being sat on by Paul Puopolo, who took an incredible grab and converted for a little breathing room.
The first few minutes of the second half saw the lead extended significantly, with a third goal to Rioli opening a 25-point lead.
All the while a series of confusing umpiring decisions had the crowd boiling over and Port’s players fought to control their own frustration.
They managed to respond against the tide through Justin Westhoff and Wingard, but delightfully light hands from Rioli set up Shaun Burgoyne and another just minutes later had the Hawks up by 30 points.
Port’s late flurry created an air of hope inside the stadium, but it was too little too late.
HAWTHORN 3.1 6.4 11.10 15.11 (101)
PORT ADELAIDE 3.3 5.4 7.4 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Rioli 3, Gunston 3, Breust 2, Puopolo 2, Ceglar 2, Sicily, Hill, Burgoyne
Port Adelaide: Wingard 3, Gray 2, Schulz 2, Wines 2, Amon 2, Westhoff
BEST
Hawthorn: Hodge, Lewis, Rioli, Mitchell, Ceglar, Birchall, Puopolo
Port Adelaide: Gray, Wingard, Broadbent, Byrne-Jones
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Shiels
Port Adelaide: Ebert (internal/concussion), Austin (concussion)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Stephens, Jeffery
Official crowd: 43,025 at Adelaide Oval
