Hawks hold off fast-finishing Power
Less than 24 hours after Lance Franklin led Sydney into the grand final, his former partner in crime has kicked Hawthorn into the last Saturday in September too.
Hawthorn today beat Port Adelaide 15.7 (97) to 13.16 (94) to set up a mouth watering replay of the 2012 grand final next week.
And in a promoter's dream, Franklin will play against the club he helped to win two premierships.
Roughead kicked six goals today as the Hawks survived an extraordinary final quarter comeback from Port Adelaide.
The Hawks led by 29 points midway through the final term and then Port Adelaide's famed run kicked in as they booted four unanswered goals. Andrew Moore had the chance to kick the match winner from the boundary line with just over one minute to play but his shot fell short.
The Power led by 12 points at quarter time and the scoreboard flattered Hawthorn.
Port Adelaide had 17 inside 50s to seven and led the contested possession count 41-21. Hawthorn made uncharacteristic errors under pressure but Port Adelaide missed too many shots for goal and
allowed the Hawks to stay in the contest.
Hawthorn made Port Adelaide pay in the second term. Bradley Hill and Matt Suckling started winning the ball in space, Will Langford was superb while Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell combined for 28 disposals.
The lead changed three times for the term and when Roughead kicked his third goal, the Hawks took an 11 point lead into half-time after kicking six goals for the term.
Port Adelaide challenged several times during the third quarter but Roughead kept kicking goals and he booted three majors for the term.
Hawthorn appeared certain to run away with the contest in the final term, but the Power refused to wilt.
Hawthorn got great service from Hodge, Langford and Mitchell all day. They have one concern after
Jordan Lewis got subbed out with a leg injury.
