PORT Adelaide isn't soft. That's the stance Power players will take into Sunday's clash with Hawthorn. After succumbing to consecutive defeats at the hands of two of the league's best teams, Port Adelaide is confident it can re-establish some credibility with a win over the in-form Hawks.

The Power's brilliant start may have embellished the progress coach Mark Williams has made with his squad over the summer, but there's no doubt Port Adelaide is a better team than we've seen in the past fortnight.

With an eye on the future, Port Adelaide is expected to include some of the Power's most promising young stars. Williams could field two debutants with Travis Boak and Robbie Gray both pushing for selection.

Port Adelaide's recent form: lost to Geelong by 56, lost to the Swans by 31, beat Richmond by 40, beat Melbourne by 5 and beat St Kilda by 53.

Recent form against Hawthorn

Round 11, 2006 Port Adelaide 22.13 (145) d Hawthorn 7.7 (49); AAMI round 13, 2005 Port Adelaide 29.14 (188) d Hawthorn 10.11 (71); AAMI round 16, 2004 Port Adelaide 15.15 (105) d Hawthorn 7.11 (53); MCG round three, 2004 Port Adelaide 26.15 (171) d Hawthorn 13.12 (90); AAMI round 18, 2003 Port Adelaide 12.12 (84) d Hawthorn 11.14 (80), MCG

Strengths

All-Australian ruckman Brendon Lade is ranked third in the AFL for hit-outs. Lade dominates on a weekly basis, but in recent weeks the Power has been unable to capitalise on the big man's good work. Even without Brogan to lend a hand, Lade is a class-above Hawthorn ruckmen Simon Taylor and Robert Campbell. If the Port Adelaide midfielders can get first hands on the ball and create some space to work in, Lade's tap work will again be a significant advantage.

Potential weaknesses

The Power have been criticised for lacking players with the physical and mental toughness needed to win the hard ball. But with the exception of Michael Wilson and Dean Brogan, the same 22 were good enough to beat top-eight sides in Collingwood and the Kangaroos, as well as arguably the most physical side in the comp, Fremantle. It's more a matter of the Power players rediscovering the desire and determination to win they displayed in the opening seven rounds. In another potentially wet game, the Power's work at the stoppages will all but determine the result.

They're sweating on

Being able to break their opponent's clampdown style of play. Having seen the success of Adelaide in round three and the Swans and Cats in recent weeks, Hawthorn would be foolish not to employ a similar game plan. Port Adelaide's strength is its speed and ability to bust games open quickly with devastating run and carry. Opposition coaches have caught on and devised a strategy to deny the Power space and time to work with. Until Port Adelaide demonstrates an ability to overcome such a game plan, opposing teams will continue to enforce it.

Dangermen

Brett Ebert: Ebert was quiet last week, but was not alone as the Port Adelaide forwards were deprived of opportunity. The Power's leading goalkicker has registered a major in all but one of his nine games this season. With Daniel Motlop out injured and Warren Tredrea needing time to regain full confidence and fitness, Ebert is the Power's go-to man up forward. Ebo kicked four goals in Port Adelaide's loss to the Swans and come rain or shine will be a focus again this week.

David Rodan: Rodan trails only Ebert in the Power's goalkicking tally with 12. In a side that was labelled soft, Rodan shone with a team-high six hard-ball gets against Geelong. The former Tiger finished with 24 touches, six clearances and two goals and was among the Power's best. The D-rod has been a consistent performer since coming to Alberton and his input will be essential against the Hawks midfield of Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis.

Chad Cornes: The only problem Port Adelaide has with Chad Cornes is that there's only one. Along with brother Kane, Chad was everywhere against the Cats, but couldn't stop the first half onslaught. Cornes warned the Hawks to expect a physical contest and is one of the Power players capable of following through with the threat.

It's not generally known ...

Warren Tredrea has kicked 17 goals in his last four outings against the Hawks.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.