The AFL semi finals are the focus this week. On Friday night footy, the Power are underdogs against the surging Hawks. Meanwhile, the Giants will look to bounce back against the Lions.<\/p>\n
Port Adelaide finds itself with an opportunity for redemption after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Geelong in the qualifying final. The Power were completely outplayed in the 138-54 loss, marking the largest margin of defeat by a home team in a final since 2005. This staggering result left the team and its supporters reeling, as the Cats dismantled them in almost every facet of the game. While Port struggled across the board, it was their defensive unit that bore the brunt of the damage. Geelong\u2019s small forwards ran riot, seemingly operating without restriction and finding space with ease. Despite this heavy loss, there is a silver lining for Port Adelaide. They have proven in the past that they can rise to the occasion. Port overturned a massive 41-point third-quarter deficit to edge out the Hawks 80-79 at Adelaide Oval. This upcoming match offers Port Adelaide the chance to bounce back from the Geelong thrashing and prove they are capable of competing at the highest level. To do so, the Power will need to address the weaknesses exposed in their defence and find ways to contain the opposition\u2019s forwards more effectively. Their midfield will also need to lift its performance to provide the forwards with better opportunities and limit the supply to the opposing team\u2019s attack.<\/p>\n
The Hawks continued their strong form with a commanding 37-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in the elimination final. The win showcased their growing confidence and form as they progress further into the finals. Jai Newcombe was the standout performer, dominating the midfield with 35 disposals and 9 marks. In his first-ever final, Nick Watson delivered an impressive performance, kicking 4 goals, while Calsher Dear contributed with 2 goals of his own to solidify the Hawks’ dominance on the scoreboard. Earlier in the season, the Hawks and Port Adelaide faced off just once, with Port narrowly escaping with a one-point victory in round 10 after a thrilling comeback. However, the Hawks have transformed since then, emerging as a formidable force. They\u2019ve won 12 of their last 14 games, and head into the next encounter full of confidence and belief as they prepare to travel to Adelaide. Despite their momentum, the Hawks will be without key midfielder Will Day, who has already been ruled out, and defender Sam Frost, who underwent season-ending foot surgery. These injuries pose a challenge, but the team\u2019s depth and current form suggest they are still a serious contender.<\/p>\n
The Hawks are favourite despite playing in Adelaide, which says a lot about the Power’s performance last week. I think they’ll stand up this week but their defence is a worry. As such, I like the Over, which is 5-1 in the last 6 games at the Adelaide Oval.<\/p>\n