HAWTHORN has seen off a fast-finishing Port Adelaide outfit on Thursday night, extending their lead at the top of the ladder with a 22-point win at Adelaide Oval.

The Hawks led by 36 points in the final term but the Power surged late - kicking three quick goals to reduce the margin to 17 with almost four minutes to play.

They finished the game full of attack but ultimately it was a run left too late; Bradley Hill kicked a goal after the siren to cement the 15.11 (101) to 12.7 (79) win.

Full match coverage and stats

Hawks skipper Luke Hodge was a standout despite being booed with each of his 29 possessions after last year’s hit on Chad Wingard, while Jordan Lewis (25 disposals, two assists) and Cyril Rioli (three goals) were also hugely influential.

Coach Alastair Clarkson praised his side's ability match the Power early and then finish them off in the second half.

"I thought we hung in there reasonably well early, they had a lot of inside 50s and we just didn't move the ball well," Clarkson said.

"As they started to fatigue later in the game they couldn't get the same sort of flow.

"We were able to delay them pretty well in the second half … they took control again in the last 10 minutes but we'd worked hard enough to win the game."

Robbie Gray (29 disposals, two goals) and Matthew Broadbent (28 possessions)and Wingard (three goals) showed moments of brilliance to boot three goals.

Five talking points: Port Adelaide v Hawthorn

The Power were dealt an early blow when hard-working midfielder Brad Ebert was sent to hospital with concussion after taking a sensational mark.

As forecast, there was plenty of niggle in the opening term, with Rioli and Jay Schulz having a bit to say to each other before Rioli gave away a 50m penalty to gift Ollie Wines his first goal.

'It's time we took a stand': Clarkson

Rioli had the last laugh though, catching Power defender Tom Clurey inside attacking 50 and converting the goal to draw Hawthorn within two points at the first change.

The freedom of flow seen in the first quarter gave way to a scrappier style of football in the second, with both sides struggling to keep possession.

The Hawks hit the front through Jonathon Ceglar and Luke Breust, but the Power refused to lie down.

Matthew Broadbent ended the half forgettably - missing a goal before being sat on by Paul Puopolo, who took an incredible grab and converted for a little breathing room.

The first few minutes of the second half saw the lead extended significantly, with a third goal to Rioli opening a 25-point lead.

All the while a series of confusing umpiring decisions had the crowd boiling over and Port’s players fought to control their own frustration.

They managed to respond against the tide through Justin Westhoff and Wingard, but delightfully light hands from Rioli set up Shaun Burgoyne and another just minutes later had the Hawks up by 30 points.

Port's late flurry created an air of hope inside the stadium, but it was too little too late.

Port didn't back down, says Hinkley

Power coach Ken Hinkley said the Hawks' game plan worked well in the third term and that their structure made it difficult to counter attack.

"They got some centre bounce ascendency, they got some territory, they kicked the ball off the ground quite a bit tonight," Hinkley said.

"They had a pretty strong method around the footy and they were able to get it forward.

"Once they get set up in their front half they are hard to penetrate back the other way."

MEDICAL ROOM
Port Adelaide: Brad Ebert appeared in genuine trouble after he was coughing up blood following a heavy fall in the opening term. He was taken to hospital with suspected internal injuries, but coach Ken Hinkley said post-match he had suffered bruised ribs and was a chance to play next week. Logan Austin also copped a heavy knock in the third term. Charlie Dixon finished with a sore back, Travis Boak copped a heavy hit to the ribs from Luke Hodge and Hamish Hartlett was also dazed after hitting the ground hard in the second term.

Hawthorn: Liam Shiels spent the second half in a tracksuit after experiencing hamstring tightness. He didn't tear the hamstring, but Clarkson said it was unlikely he’d play next week. The Hawks were all clear otherwise and Tim O'Brien, who was a late withdrawal with illness, is starting to feel better.

NEXT UP
The Power head to Etihad Stadium next week to take on North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. Hawthorn is interstate again on a Thursday night, facing the Sydney Swans in what is sure to be an intriguing game between two flag favourites.

HAWTHORN           3.1  6.4  11.10  15.11 (101)
PORT ADELAIDE   3.3  5.4    7.4     12.7   (79)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Rioli 3, Gunston 3, Breust 2, Puopolo 2, Ceglar 2, Sicily, Hill, Burgoyne
Port Adelaide: Wingard 3, Gray 2, Schulz 2, Wines 2, Amon 2, Westhoff

BEST
Hawthorn: Hodge, Lewis, Rioli, Mitchell, Ceglar, Birchall, Puopolo
Port Adelaide: Gray, Wingard, Broadbent, Byrne-Jones

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Shiels (hamstring)
Port Adelaide: Ebert (ribs/concussion), Austin (concussion)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Donlon, Stephens, Jeffery

Official crowd: 43,025 at Adelaide Oval