Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 10, 2024 6:50 pm GMT
Port Adelaide is preparing for a crucial semi-final clash against Hawthorn on Friday night, making significant changes to their lineup in an effort to avoid elimination from the finals. The Power have recalled forward Todd Marshall, marking a pivotal moment in their strategy as the team seeks to bounce back after a disappointing qualifying final loss to Geelong.
Port Adelaide’s Strategic Moves
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley emphasized that the decision to bring back the 25-year-old Marshall was one of the most important the team had to make. Marshall, standing at 198 centimeters, has had a challenging season marred by injuries, having played only once in the past two months. His return is part of a four-pronged tall forward attack, which also includes Charlie Dixon (200 cm), Mitch Georgiades (192 cm), and Esava Ratugolea (197 cm).
The Power are banking on their height advantage over a Hawthorn side that has been hampered by injuries, leaving its defense undersized. With important players missing, the expectation is that Port Adelaide will leverage their tall forwards against the Hawks’ weakened defense.
Injuries Impacting Both Teams
In the lead-up to this important match, both teams have experienced setbacks. Hawthorn’s Sam Frost will miss the rest of the finals due to a foot injury, prompting the team to promote Jai Serong, a nine-gamer with strong performances in the VFL, to take on an important defensive role. Serong will join veteran James Sicily and rising player Josh Weddle in a defense where none exceed 193 cm in height.
Port Adelaide also faces challenges with the absence of Ryan Burton, who failed a fitness test on Thursday due to a calf strain. This adds to the challenges created by the suspension of dual All-Australian defender Dan Houston and the injury to Kane Farrell (hamstring). Additionally, midfielder Zak Butters, who sustained a rib injury, will play despite concerns about his fitness, as scans revealed no fractures.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Hinkley expressed confidence in Butters’ ability to handle the physical demands of the match, stating, “Unlike some people; I know Zak is a tough player – a really tough player. He won’t take a step backwards.” This confidence reflects the coach’s approach to the game, as he aims to select the best players to maximize their chances against a Hawthorn team that is riding high after securing a significant win against Western Bulldogs in their elimination final.
As Marshall returns to the lineup, the decision to replace small forward Jed McEntee, rather than opting to drop one of the existing tall forwards, suggests a commitment to a robust offensive strategy against their opponents.
Historical Context and Emotional Stakes
The emotional undertones of this match are significant, particularly for Port Adelaide, who come into the game after a substantial defeat. They became the 12th club in the history of the current finals format to lose a qualifying final by 50 points or more. Historically, the previous 11 teams in a similar situation went on to win their semi-finals, providing a glimmer of hope for the Power’s chances.
Although Port Adelaide is trying to recover from last week’s disheartening performance, the inclusion of Marshall could prove to be a turning point within the context of the match. The atmosphere at Adelaide Oval is expected to be charged, with fans hoping for a strong rebound.
Other Semi-Final Overview
The other semi-final pairing features Greater Western Sydney (GWS) facing the Brisbane Lions, a matchup that has seen less tumult leading into the game. GWS welcomes back Toby Bedford after he missed last week’s qualifying final due to a calf injury. He replaces Toby McMullin in the lineup. Brisbane, on the other hand, made no changes, as they aim to secure a return to the preliminary finals.
Brisbane defender Jack Payne has been named for the match despite concerns over a knee injury sustained in their previous elimination match. This stability contributes to the Lions’ strong positioning heading into their semi-final clash.
Looking Ahead
The stage is set for an exciting night of football! Port Adelaide and Hawthorn are both facing important moments that could change their seasons. The Power has a tall team ready to take on the Hawks, who are a bit short on defense. Hawthorn will need to build on their recent wins to tackle the challenges from Port Adelaide. As both teams get their game plans ready, fans can’t wait for the thrilling match at Adelaide Oval!
