WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday September 20, 4.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
THIS YEAR
R10, 2014, Port Adelaide 15.10 (100) d Hawthorn 13.8 (86) at Adelaide Oval
Port underlined its status as a flag contender in an enthralling win over the injury-hit Hawks. The League-leading Power got the jump and held on to improve their win-loss record to 8-1, with small forwards Angus Monfries and Chad Wingard kicking seven goals between them. Power skipper Travis Boak (34 disposals, one goal) and Hawks star Jordan Lewis (38, two) were outstanding.
PREVIOUS FIVE ENCOUNTERS
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
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
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KEY MATCH-UPS
Jarryd Roughead v Alipate Carlile
Roughead was suspended when Hawthorn went down to the Power in round 10 but the versatile big man looms as a stumbling block for Port in the preliminary final. Carlile, who had the better of Freo skipper Matthew Pavlich last Saturday, will have to be at his best to curb the Hawks' spearhead, who is averaging three goals per game this season.
Chad Wingard v Taylor Duryea
Wingard booted three majors and dished off a couple of goal assists in an impressive performance last time the teams met. After a late-season slump, the Port star appears to be back to his brilliant best and he booted a goal in every quarter in the win over Fremantle. If selected, Duryea is likely to get first crack at Wingard again.
MEDICAL ROOM
Cyril Rioli came up short in his bid to return from 12 weeks out with a hamstring injury. The small forward will play in the VFL Grand Final on Sunday with a view of a possible return for the AFL Grand Final, should the Hawks make it. Matt Suckling has recovered from his knee issue and returns to the senior side.
Port Adelaide Tom Jonas' corked hip was the only injury concern stemming from Port's win over Fremantle, but the tough defender has been named in the side to face the Hawks.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY WIN? The winner advances to the last Saturday in September for a Grand Final showdown against either the Sydney Swans or North Melbourne.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY LOSE? It's season over.
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn is the League's highest scoring side and averages 16.6 goals per game, while Port is ranked second with 14.5 goals per game.
2. The Power lead the League for inside 50s with 56.5 per game, while Hawthorn averages 55.5 entries – the third-highest in the competition.
3. Hawthorn will play its fourth preliminary final in as many years this Saturday. The Hawks have won their past two against Geelong and Adelaide by five points after losing to Collingwood by three points in 2011.
4. The Hawks and Power have met only once in finals, with Hawthorn winning the 2001 second semi-final by three points at AAMI Stadium.
5. If Hawthorn salutes it will be the first time since 1987-89 the Hawks have played in three straight Grand Finals. If Port wins it will become the first team from fifth spot to reach the big dance since Adelaide in 1998.
6. Port star Robbie Gray is the AFL's leading midfielder for score assists and was second only to Gary Ablett for goals kicked in the home-and-away season. He is still only rated 49th overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings, but he's rising fast.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 7 points
