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THE Power enter this game full of confidence having won their past three matches to sit just two wins out of the eight.
To describe the Hawks as confident, though, would be an understatement, after they demolished North Melbourne in Tasmania with Lance Franklin booting a remarkable 13 goals.
Port were impressive against the Blues and could push Hawthorn the distance, but it would be another massive upset if they won.
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THE FOUR POINTS
PORT ADELAIDE
1. Justin Westhoff said Paul Stewart's last minute goal to beat North Melbourne in round eight was a significant moment in the Power's season. The resulting win sparked belief in the squad and their form since has been top notch. They controlled Carlton from start to finish, proof they can mix it with quality sides. Hawthorn would be an even bigger scalp than the Blues, but it will take a mighty effort to claim.
2. There's no doubt the Power look a better side when forward Jay Schulz is in the team. After bruising his ribs against the Blues, he was only rated a 50/50 chance early in the week. Westhoff may fill Schulz's shoes if need be, but coaches, players and fans would all rest easier if Schulz was fit.
[ Video: Round 10 plays of the week ]
3. Even without Marc Murphy and Andrew Carrazzo, Carlton's midfield is still among the best going around. But it was completely outplayed by Port last Saturday night especially in contested ball situations. The Blues were found wanting in both contested marks and possessions and if the Power can maintain their hard-nosed approach, it will hold them in good stead on Sunday.
4. Could Port play finals? That question seemed absurd as recently as a month ago, but the Power are suddenly within touching distance of the eight, and if they can win some games they're not expected to and then hold firm when they should, finals football really isn't out of the question.
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HAWTHORN
1. Hawthorn's record at AAMI Stadium is poor. They've lost four of their past five games in Adelaide, and 11 of 14 since 2002. Despite last season's 165-point belting of Port Adelaide at the MCG, Alastair Clarkson's men also have a mixed recent record against the Power. Since 2007 the ledger sits at 5-4 in the Hawks' favour. On Sunday they have a chance to make it three straight wins over Port Adelaide, something they've never achieved before.
2. Hawks coach Clarkson is a big believer that games are won and lost in the midfield, and the adage has been particularly true for his team this season. Hawthorn's dismal midfield showing against Richmond resulted in a 62-point defeat, but they showed far more aggression against North Melbourne on Saturday, and the result followed. The Hawks won contested possession by 21 over the Kangaroos and, despite having 91 more disposals, still managed to lay 10 more tackles than Brad Scott's team in the 115-point win.
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3. Hawthorn doesn't have a true tagger to quell opposition stars, but a number of midfielders are capable of performing run-with roles. Liam Shiels blanketed Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey's influence on Saturday, and Brad Sewell easily beat his opponent Andrew Swallow. One of the two may be sent to in-form Power young gun Hamish Hartlett, who was instrumental in his team's win over Carlton on Saturday night.
4. Lance Franklin booted a career-best 13 goals on Saturday, staying closer to goal than he has for much of this season. Ruckman David Hale predicted on Monday that the Hawks would follow a similar formula this week. Franklin kicked eight in last year's drubbing of Port, but Power key defender Alipate Carlile has had success against the three-time All Australian in the past.
THE ODDS
Port Adelaide $3.85
Hawthorn $1.25
