SUMMARY
Hawthorn enters this game sitting on top of the ladder but without having consistently shown the form that led the club to the last three premierships. Coach Alastair Clarkson will hope his side can experience an upswing in form following its bye. The Hawks are coming up against an opponent that has proved troublesome in recent times – Port Adelaide has won three of the last four clashes between these teams. A paucity of key defensive talent could be an issue for the Power, with Jack Hombsch (quad) and Alipate Carlile (knee) unavailable, while Jackson Trengove will be needed in the ruck. Although the Hawks don’t have a dominant big man in attack, they are ranked fifth for scoring and have multiple goalkicking options.
Kane Mitchell could be a crucial player if he can replicate his form from last week. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Thursday, July 7, 7.20PM ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2015, Port Adelaide 16.12 (108) d Hawthorn 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide's small forwards did the damage last time these teams met. Chad Wingard picked up 20 disposals and four goals, Angus Monfries booted three while Jake Neade kicked two.
2. It will be the 32nd time these teams have met, with Port leading 18-13. The Power were the only team to beat the Hawks twice last season.
3. Port is second in the competition for tackles per game, while the Hawks are fourth.
4. Disposing of the ball has been an issue for the Power – they're ranked 17th for disposal efficiency and are first for clangers.
5. Port's average winning margin this season is 51 points. Hawthorn has had five wins by more than 40 points.
6. Each team has three midfielders ranked in the top-100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Hawks have Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Liam Shiels, while the Power have Travis Boak, Ollie Wines and Hamish Hartlett.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Kane Mitchell
The hard-running midfielder played his first game for the season last week against Richmond and not only nullified Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin, but picked up 24 disposals himself. Mitchell may find himself matched against his namesake Sam, in what would be a critical contest.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 16 points.
