HAWTHORN has welcomed back star Cyril Rioli in the only change for either side ahead of Thursday night's crunch match against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Rioli comes in for Daniel Howe (omitted) after missing the Hawks' win over Gold Coast in Launceston two weeks ago to attend his grandfather's funeral in Darwin. Howe has been named as an emergency along with Angus Litherland and Brendan Whitecross.
Hawthorn had the bye last weekend to refresh for the run into the finals, starting with what looms as a spiteful affair against Port after coach Alastair Clarkson questioned the Power's ability to play "tough, hard" footy on a weekly basis.
The Power have gone in unchanged having knocked over Richmond at home last Friday night, with Ken Hinkley rewarding the same 22 for outworking the Tigers.
But the ninth-placed Power face a step up in class against League leaders Hawthorn as they seek to keep their season alive.
Port could close the gap to the top eight to just four points if results fall the right way in round 16, however a loss could consign Hinkley's outfit to another season of 'what-ifs'.
There's unlikely to be any love lost between the sides on Thursday night, with Port taking it up to the three-time defending premiers and winning three of the last four contests – including both games last season.
Port named John Butcher, Paul Stewart and Sam Gray as its emergencies.
Thursday, July 7
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm ACST
PORT ADELAIDE
No change
HAWTHORN
In: C.Rioli
Out: D.Howe (omitted)
