The highly anticipated match was initially marketed as a grudge match, setting up a fierce battle between the then Premiership favorites and a team that had been practically invisible in recent times. For the first hour of the game, however, it was nothing short of a one-sided procession. Port Adelaide came out firing from the start, catching Hawthorn completely off guard. They were in attack mode from the get-go, overwhelming the Hawks with relentless pressure. By early in the second quarter, it was clear that Hawthorn was in deep trouble, with the game slipping away from them. At one point, Port Adelaide led by an astonishing 71 points, and it felt like the game was all but over.
James Sicily, clearly frustrated, expressed the need for a change, telling Channel 7 at half-time, “We need to pull our head out of our arses.” But despite the deficit, Hawthorn showed some resilience. They managed to regain possession, and for a brief moment, it seemed like the most remarkable comeback in the history of the sport could be within reach. However, when Willie Rioli taunted Changkuoth Jiath, only to be met with a swift response and a follow-up free kick, the momentum swung back in Port Adelaide’s favor. Rioli then launched the ball into the Barossa Valley, sealing the game for Port Adelaide, who triumphed 18.13 (121) to 14.7 (91).
This victory was exactly what Port Adelaide needed. The early part of the season had been underwhelming, with the Ken Hinkley era seemingly sputtering to a halt. Their loss to Essendon, at a ground they usually excelled at, was particularly disheartening. They were also well beaten by St Kilda, a team that had been a long-time challenge for them. But on Sunday night, Port Adelaide reminded everyone of their true potential. When they’re fully charged, when their midfield is firing on all cylinders, and when they’ve been written off by everyone, they can still be a force to be reckoned with. Their game is built on emotion, risk-taking, and the energy of the crowd, and when they get that balance right, they become unstoppable.
Sunday’s performance saw a brilliant outing from their captain, Connor Rozee. Since taking on the captaincy, Rozee had sometimes appeared to carry the weight of the club’s struggles on his shoulders, often playing with a subdued energy this season. But in a key tactical move, Hinkley shifted him to half-back, where he quickly regained his confidence. Rozee started racking up touches, moving effortlessly across the field and becoming a crucial part of Port’s attack. Similarly, Jason Horne-Francis, who had been visibly frustrated for much of the early season, played with renewed vigor, dominating in the air, on the ground, and during the transitions. Zak Butters, as always, was a relentless presence, darting around the field and constantly provoking the opposition, reminding everyone of the urgency and drive he brings to the game.
As for the game’s promotion, there was some cynicism surrounding the marquee status of this particular Gather Round match. The AFL had made it the final game on the card, promoting it heavily, while at the same time imposing fines for minor infractions. Their dual role as judge, jury, and promoter raised some eyebrows. However, Gather Round itself proved to be a success. The event had been accompanied by a lavish dinner for journalists and broadcasters, showcasing the extravagance of the festival. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and the AFL were keen to highlight the significance of the event, with McGuire even drawing comparisons to the Super Bowl, suggesting that the event should stay in South Australia as long as possible.
While the gathering was undoubtedly a success, the football played over the weekend was the real highlight. Brisbane, in particular, staged an impressive comeback against the Western Bulldogs, reminding everyone that when their midfield clicks into gear, they are a formidable team. Likewise, the Crows had an electric start in the opening match of the round, but against quality teams like Brisbane and Geelong, the game can change quickly. Teams like these don’t panic, and they often become more dangerous when trailing by a significant margin. For Hawthorn, trailing by 71 points was a harsh reminder that, when up against an avalanche of pressure, there is little to be done except try to weather the storm.
Leave a Reply