Port survive Hawthorn scare in explosive Gather Round finish

Port Adelaide have survived one of the most remarkable fightbacks of the 2025 AFL season, holding off Hawthorn by 30 points to cap Gather Round with an electric 18.13 (121) to 14.7 (91) win at Adelaide Oval.

The Power exploded out of the gates with a ferocious opening half, booting 12 goals to two and surging to a commanding 71-point lead. But whatever Sam Mitchell said at the main break flipped the script, as the Hawks clawed their way back with seven of the next 10 goals to give the hosts a major fright.

In the end, it was a pair of quickfire goals from Willie Rioli, following a heated exchange with Changkuoth Jiath, and a composed finish from Sam Powell-Pepper that shut the door on the unlikely comeback.

Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee starred in a surprise new role at half-back, collecting 28 disposals and kicking two goals in what may be a season-turning move by coach Ken Hinkley. Fellow young gun Zak Butters was electric with 33 disposals, eight clearances and four goal assists to help the Power snap a two-game skid.

Despite the late Hawks charge, the damage was done early. Port kicked six goals in each of the opening two quarters, exploiting a disorganised Hawthorn backline and pressuring their midfield into repeated errors.

Port had 10 individual goalkickers on the night, with six players finishing with multiple majors. Mitch Georgiades and Rioli led the way with three apiece, while Rozee, Powell-Pepper and Jase Burgoyne added two each.

Hawthorn’s resurgence after the break was led by veterans and young guns alike. Jack Gunston wound back the clock with six goals, Jai Newcombe (29 disposals) and Lloyd Meek (30 hitouts, two goals) gave the midfield some bite, and Josh Weddle provided drive off half-back. But they left their run too late.

The game also had its flashpoints, with tensions boiling over throughout. Butters and James Worpel had a fiery exchange, and Rioli’s antics late in the final term fanned flames that had been simmering since last year’s semi-final between these sides.

Port now sit at 2-3 ahead of a blockbuster Round 6 clash with Sydney, while Hawthorn drop their first game of the season and will look to regroup quickly.

The only sour note for the Power was a potential knee injury to defender Miles Bergman, who was subbed out during the third quarter and could be in doubt for next week.

Port Adelaide v Hawthorn final score

Port Adelaide 18.13 (121)
Hawthorn 14.7 (91)

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