Hawks Soar Past Power in Wet Tassie Thriller to Keep Finals Hopes Alive
What an absolute slogfest it was down in Tasmania this afternoon, as Hawthorn powered their way to a massive 38-point victory over Port Adelaide in what can only be described as a wet and wild scrap at UTAS Stadium. The Hawks handled the torrential conditions far better than the Power, taking full advantage of the wind when it was on their side and grinding out critical moments when the breeze was against them.
Hawthorn, sitting just outside the top four coming into Round 19, played like a side desperate to lock in their September spot—and it showed. Veterans Jack Gunston and Jarman Impey each nailed three goals, proving again why experience is golden in testing conditions. But the standout was Dylan Moore, who was everywhere, racking up 32 disposals, laying nine tackles, and kicking two goals in a commanding performance.
The game started with fireworks—literally and metaphorically. Despite Port having the wind in the first quarter, the scores were locked at 3.2 each at the first break. Hawthorn young gun Calsher Dear kicked the opener after Ollie Lord gave away a free kick for a clumsy bump behind play. Port responded quickly, but the real drama came when James Sicily and Jack Lukosius exchanged heated moments, resulting in goals and tensions boiling early.
From there, the Hawks took control. Gunston kicked two classy goals in the second quarter, including a brilliant shot from the boundary. They entered halftime with a 13-point lead, which Port briefly erased in the third before Moore and Gunston struck again to give the Hawks a two-goal cushion going into the last.
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And then it was lights out. Impey exploded with three goals in a blistering final quarter, while Blake Hardwick and James Worpel did the dirty work in the middle. Jack Ginnivan added to the entertainment with a cheeky aeroplane celebration aimed at Power coach Ken Hinkley—a nod to their fiery finals clash last year. To Hinkley’s credit, he took it all in good humour from the coaches' box.
Port Adelaide, on the other hand, is now in serious danger of missing the finals altogether. With just five games to go and four wins separating them from the top eight, their chances look all but gone in Hinkley’s final season at the helm.
Jack Gunston continues to turn back the clock—his three goals today take his season tally to 42. His boundary-line goal in the second quarter was pure class, and he almost snagged a Goal of the Year contender late in the game if not for a fingertip on the goal line.
Mitch Lewis made his long-awaited return after over a year out with an ACL injury, and while he didn’t hit the scoreboard, his presence was a welcome boost. With finals looming, coach Sam Mitchell now faces a selection dilemma in the forward line, with Gunston, Chol, Dear, and Lewis all pushing for spots.
Final score: Hawthorn 13.9 (87) defeated Port Adelaide 7.7 (49). The Hawks now jump into the top four, while the Power’s finals flame flickers dimmer than ever.
One thing’s clear—when the weather gets ugly, the Hawks get to work.
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