HEAD TO HEAD: Port Adelaide 15 wins, Hawthorn seven wins, no draws
LAST TIME: Port Adelaide 13.14 (92) d Hawthorn 12.12 (84), round 18, 2010 at AAMI Stadium
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A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: Port Adelaide: LLWLL Hawthorn: WWWLB
SUMMARY
On recent form this game shapes as a mismatch of considerable proportions.
Port Adelaide was expected to respond to its embarrassing capitulation to Gold Coast in round five, with an improved performance against a winless North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, but no response was forthcoming and the result was a disappointing 60-point loss.
Despite not playing to its potential, Hawthorn has won three of its past four games to sit in sixth spot on the AFL ladder.
The 15th-placed Power have managed only one win victory, but the Hawks shouldn't be too complacent ahead of Friday night's clash given the record of teams coming off the bye this season.
Of the nine teams to have already had a bye, only two have been able to win the next week.
Consecutive losses to the bottom team in the competition have sapped the Power of confidence, but it's important they, at least, take a step towards silencing their critics by playing with a greater desire in front of a national television audience on Friday night.
QUESTION MARKS
Will Port Adelaide offer any resistance this week? The Power's dismal effort against North Melbourne was highlighted by a season-low tackle count of 38. Labouring ruckman Dean Brogan displayed passion, but he didn't have too many followers.
How will Hawthorn approach the challenge of playing Port Adelaide? The Hawks are undeniably talented, but have drifted in and out of games this season, playing only patches of their best football. This is a game they should win and win well.
PREDICTION
Hawthorn by 41 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
For the second straight week Hamish Hartlett top-scored for Port Adelaide. Hartlett backed up a healthy score of 124 against Gold Coast in round five with another impressive ton (106) in the club's disastrous loss to North Melbourne. The skilful onballer's injury history makes him a risk, but at only $322,400 he might be worth it.
Despite his propensity to give away free kicks (and get very few in return), Hawthorn star Lance Franklin is a must-have in your forward line. Port Adelaide conceded 75 inside 50ms against the Kangaroos last weekend and Franklin and Jarryd Roughead could have a night out on Friday, if the home side doesn't apply more pressure through the midfield.
Follow the game live in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au and join the conversation on Twitter using #aflpowerhawks
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
