The Teams
Port Adelaide
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Ranked: 14th
Hawthorn
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Ranked: 4th
Keys to victory
Port Adelaide has a massive challenge over the next four weeks of football and one objective - to earn back respect.
The challenge against a Hawthorn side approaching its best form is huge, but there are obvious areas Port must focus its attention.
Hawthorn is one of the most effective teams by foot in the league, so the onus will be on the Power’s midfield to win clearances from stoppage more than ever and prevent the Hawks finding opportunities to get boot to ball.
Piling pressure on their ball carriers, particularly Mitchell, Lewis and Sewell, will be as important as ever.
Lance Franklin has not been named for Hawthorn, relieving pressure on Port Adelaide’s defence and giving them an opportunity to focus on the likes of Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli.
Port’s forwards, particularly Daniel Stewart, need to have a big, authoritative game.
It seems like a big ask for the Power, and it is, but caretaker coach Garry Hocking will be looking to see Port’s middle tier players step up to the plate and put in a performance worthy of the Port Adelaide guernsey.
Read more: Talking points
Selection table
Nathan Blee and David Rodan headline a number of inclusions to the Power squad. Blee has been impressive for the Roosters in the SANFL and was best on ground against Glenelg last week. Similarly, Rodan impressed for Norwood in his first game back from a hamstring injury.
Troy Chaplin has been cleared to play after injury concerns last week and Darren Pfeiffer and Jarrad Redden have also been named in the side ahead of a final confirmation of the team on Friday afternoon.
Read more: Selection
Forming up
Hamish Hartlett
Troy Chaplin has been cleared to play after injury concerns last week and Darren Pfeiffer and Jarrad Redden have also been named in the side ahead of a final confirmation of the team on Friday afternoon.
Read more: Selection
Forming up
Hamish Hartlett
Hartlett was subbed off last week to preserve his legs in his first game back from injury. It was by no means a reflection on his performance with him resoundingly the Power’s best player on the field. Hartlett’s ranging kick and intelligent football is still highly rated and he will look to build four weeks of solid post-injury performances to set himself for 2013.
Matt Thomas
Thomas puts his body on the line and he was one of Port’s only shining lights in Sydney last week. His physical toughness will be a useful asset against the Hawks this week as the Power look to make a statement on the field. His marking ability in attack and his pressure on the opposition will set the benchmark for the team’s physicality.
Matt Thomas
Thomas puts his body on the line and he was one of Port’s only shining lights in Sydney last week. His physical toughness will be a useful asset against the Hawks this week as the Power look to make a statement on the field. His marking ability in attack and his pressure on the opposition will set the benchmark for the team’s physicality.
