Match Preview vs Port Adelaide
The Changes
Hawthorn In – Cyril Rioli
Out – Daniel Howe
Port Adelaide In – No change
The Form
Port Adelaide come into tomorrow night’s clash with Hawthorn off the back of a convincing 38-point win over Richmond last weekend.
The Power kicked seven unanswered in the second term against Richmond in Round 15 and will be full of confidence having won three of the last four clashes between these teams.
Wingard, Boak and Broadbent were all damaging for Port Adelaide last week, while Kane Mitchell did the job on Trent Cotchin in his first game of the season.
Port is second in the competition for tackles per game, while the Hawks are fourth.
The Hawks overcame a slow start in the first term to eventually find some of their best footy and account for the Gold Coast Suns by 26 points in Launceston 10 days ago.
After being outscored in the opening term, the Hawks kicked 10 goals to the Suns’ four after the first break to record their 18th-straight win in Tasmania.
Sam Mitchell was back to his early season form with 35 touches, while James Sicily again impressed with three goals from four scoring shots.
Luke Hodge also returned with an important 28 touches and Hawthorn fans will have their fingers crossed that he can stay on the field for the remainder of 2016.
Stats That Matter
The simple fact that Hawthorn were able to limit the Suns to just four goals after quarter-time while kicking 10 of their own from a slow start is a big tick. Although the Hawks will want to ensure there is no repeat of their poor opening from last week.
Key Player
Port Adelaide have struggled for cover in the ruck in recent weeks with injuries to Matthew Lobbe and Dougal Howard meaning they have been rotating Jackson Trengove, Charlie Dixson and Justin Westhoff in the ruck. Hawks Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar will be looking to dominate around the stoppages.
It’s A Big Week For…
Jack Gunston has been a little quiet of late, kicking just one goal in the last two games. He’s still getting plenty of the ball, but would no doubt like to add some goals to his name.
Odd Fact
Hawthorn’s biggest win in the club’s history came against the Power in Round 21, 2011. The Hawks kicked a massive 31.11 (197) to Port Adelaide’s 5.2 (32) to win by 165 points. Lance Franklin kicked eight goals while Cyril Rioli kicked six.
Final Thoughts
This could be a real danger game for the Hawks if they don’t come to play early. A good start should ensure they give themselves every chance of a win.
