TODAY’s second AFLW Semi-Final sees this year’s two finals debutants – who had vastly different experiences making their finals debuts last week – square off for a chance to meet North Melbourne next week in a preliminary final.

7:30pm AEDT
Ikon Park

Recent form

Despite a really good run before last week, Hawthorn fell agonisingly short in its first ever final last week, losing by one goal to reigning premiers Brisbane.

Meanwhile for Port, it too had a barnstorming finish to the home and away season, but things went more to plan for the Power in their first ever final, defeating Richmond.

Last time they met

These two sides came into the competition at the same time, but surprisingly have not faced each other yet this campaign. Last time they did meet – which was in the penultimate round of last season – it was a seesawing affair that ultimately saw Hawthorn come from behind to take the win.

Key stat areas

When it comes to clearances, nothing can split the sides when it comes to stoppage clearances, so Port’s advantage in centre clearances could become very handy. This is especially so because the sides also cannot be split in the hit outs, and Port has an obvious advantage in contested possessions while neither side is particularly strong in uncontested possessions.

Key match up/s

Much like the respective matches for both of these sides last week, it may ultimately come down to the key forwards each team has at their disposal.

For Hawthorn, their Irish pair of Aileen Gilroy and Aine McDonagh have really grown as a partnership this year and the chemistry that now exists between the pair is a daunting challenge for any opponent to have to contender.

For Port Adelaide, when their tall forwards of Ashleigh Saint and Gemma Houghton are both up and firing, that is also really hard to stop.