After the Kennett Curse continued last weekend, expect the Hawks to come out breathing fire against the Power on Saturday. A month ago, this loomed as a potential hiding for the home side, but Port’s recent form suggests this should be a tight contest. The Power sensationally beat both the Sydney Swans and Collingwood before very nearly toppling Essendon last weekend. While Hawthorn is a genuine premiership hope, another surprise win for the Power isn’t out of the question.
WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Stadium, Saturday July 13, 1.15pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2012: Hawthorn 24.15 (159) d Port Adelaide 13.9 (87) at Aurora Stadium
R11, 2012: Hawthorn 16.12 (108) d Port Adelaide 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
R21, 2011: Hawthorn 31.11 (197) d Port Adelaide 5.2 (32) at the MCG
R7, 2011: Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) at AAMI Stadium
R18, 2010: Port Adelaide 13.14 (92) d Hawthorn 12.12 (84) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn certainly looks to have the advantage in firepower up forward. The Hawks are number one attacking side in 2013, averaging 118 points a game, while the Power are 10th with 94 points a game.
2. Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell continued his outstanding season last weekend. Ranked 12th in the Official AFL Player Ratings, the star midfielder amassed 36 possessions in a losing side against Geelong.
3. Port Adelaide holds the advantage at AAMI Stadium in matches against Hawthorn, but only just. The Power have won eight of their encounters at the venue to the Hawks' five.
4. Hawthorn has toyed with Port Adelaide in recent seasons, winning the last four head-to-head encounters and five of the last six, including a mammoth 165-point thrashing in 2011.
5. Despite Hawthorn’s high-scoring tendencies, the Hawks love contested footy. They are the second-best contested possession side in the competition this year, while Port is 10th.
6. The Power and Hawks have played against each other on 26 occasions, with only four of their meetings decided by less than 10 points.
