BREAKING: In a dramatic clash at UTAS Stadium on July 15, 2025, Hawthorn defeated Port Adelaide 13.9 (87) to 7.7 (49) amid wild weather conditions, solidifying their position in the ongoing AFL finals race. This victory marks a significant rebound for the Hawks, who faced immense pressure to secure a top-four spot in the league.
The match drew a crowd of 12,722, despite being the lowest attendance for the season, as heavy rain and strong winds battered Launceston. The weather was a critical factor, influencing both team strategies and the overall gameplay. Fans braved the elements to witness this heated rivalry, which has not seen such intensity since the finals were last held in the city.
Entering this crucial matchup, Hawthorn was eager for revenge, having lost their previous encounter to Port Adelaide. Winning this contest was pivotal, not only for points but also for momentum heading into the finals. The stakes were incredibly high, as a loss could have jeopardized their chances of playoff contention.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell faced a challenging environment, with conditions deteriorating as the match progressed. Early on, the team struggled but found their footing as Dylan Moore showcased his skills with 18 disposals in the first half, helping to set the tone for the Hawks.
Despite a strong start from Port Adelaide, who aimed to build on their recent dominance over Hawthorn, the home team’s resilience in Launceston was evident. Jack Gunston, known for his prowess at UTAS Stadium, delivered a stunning goal that could easily be nominated as the goal of the weekend, showcasing his ability to adapt to the challenging weather.
“The conditions were tough, but we knew we had to dig deep and play our game,” Gunston remarked after the match.
As the rain intensified in the second half, both teams battled fiercely. Port Adelaide’s Jordon Sweet and Ollie Lord managed impressive goals, momentarily leveling the score. However, Hawthorn quickly regained control, with critical plays from Harry Morrison and Mitchell Lewis, who returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
Ultimately, the match turned decisively in Hawthorn’s favor when Bailey Macdonald scored his first-ever AFL goal, energizing the team and the fans. Following this, Jarman Impey added to the lead with multiple goals, solidifying his claim as a potential match MVP.
The emotional impact of this match extends beyond the scoreboard; it represents a turning point for Hawthorn as they aim for a playoff spot while simultaneously ending Port Adelaide’s hopes of finals action this season. This contest further cements the rivalry between the two teams, igniting discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Looking ahead, Hawthorn will need to maintain this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, while Port Adelaide will regroup and strategize for their final games of the season. The urgency of the remaining matches will keep both teams on high alert as the AFL finals approach.
Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling season unfolds!
