🏉 Tassie Triumph: Hawthorn Stuns Port Adelaide in a Gritty July Showdown
A Cold Afternoon with High Stakes
Tasmania might be known for its crisp winter air and passionate footy fans, but on Saturday, UTAS Stadium delivered something else: a reminder that the Hawthorn Hawks are never truly out of the fight — no matter what the ladder says.
Heading into this Round 19 clash, Hawthorn sat well outside finals contention. Port Adelaide, by contrast, arrived in Launceston with finals dreams alive and well. They were hunting for a top-four finish to secure a double chance in September. Many predicted they would brush aside the rebuilding Hawks. But as every AFL fan knows — footy is gloriously unpredictable.
For Hawthorn, this game wasn’t about finals. It was about pride, development, and showing their loyal Tassie supporters they can match it with the league’s heavyweights. The 40–27 result was more than an upset — it was a statement.
Key Match Stats: The Numbers Tell the Story
The final scoreline doesn’t reveal the full drama. Here’s how the game unfolded quarter by quarter:
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Q1: Hawthorn 20 – Port Adelaide 20
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Q2: Hawthorn 6 – Port Adelaide 0
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Q3: Hawthorn 7 – Port Adelaide 0
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Q4: Hawthorn 7 – Port Adelaide 7
Hawthorn’s ability to keep Port scoreless for the entire second and third quarters was a defensive masterclass. The Hawks suffocated Port’s ball movement, dominated contested footy, and forced them into error after error.
Possession Stats:
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Contested Possessions: Hawthorn 151 – Port Adelaide 134
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Inside 50s: Hawthorn 47 – Port Adelaide 39
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Tackles: Hawthorn 72 – Port Adelaide 60
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Clearances: Even at 34 each, but Hawthorn’s stoppage work was cleaner.
Jarman Impey and Mitch Lewis led the Hawks with two goals apiece, while young Lachie Bramble topped the disposal count with 27 touches. James Sicily was rock solid down back, marshalling the defense and intercepting at will.
Port Adelaide’s Missed Opportunity
For Port Adelaide, this loss stings — badly. This was a game they were expected to win, and a slip-up like this could be the difference between a double chance or a tough road through September.
Port’s forward line looked toothless for long stretches. Even when they found space, their kicking let them down. Key forward Todd Marshall managed just one goal, while the usually dangerous Connor Rozee was blanketed by Hawthorn’s midfield pressure.
Coach Ken Hinkley will be frustrated at how Port’s game plan fell apart under the relentless squeeze. The Power’s strength is quick ball movement and precision inside 50 — but in Launceston’s heavy winter conditions, Hawthorn forced them wide, slow, and indecisive.
A Turning Point for Hawthorn’s Rebuild
Let’s be honest: Hawthorn fans know 2025 isn’t about winning a flag. It’s about laying foundations. But wins like this make the tough seasons worthwhile.
Watching the likes of Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward, and Seamus Mitchell stand up under pressure shows the club’s future is in good hands. It’s not just the older brigade doing the work anymore — the kids are taking over, and they’re doing it with confidence and grit.
As a long-time Hawks fan, I can say: there’s something special brewing under Sam Mitchell’s watch. The defensive setup, the contested ball work, and the belief to stick to a plan for four quarters — all hallmarks of a team on the right path.
Moments That Defined the Match
Footy is a game of moments — and Hawthorn owned them in Launceston.
📌 Lewis’s Leaping Mark
Late in the third quarter, with Port Adelaide threatening to break through, Mitch Lewis soared above a pack to claim a contested mark deep inside 50. He coolly slotted the goal, giving the Hawks a two-goal buffer and energising the home crowd.
📌 Sicily’s Steal
Captain James Sicily’s intercepts were game-changing. His ability to read Port’s kicks and shut down forward entries saved at least three certain goals.
📌 Impey’s Burst
Jarman Impey was everywhere — tackling, running, and setting up forward thrusts. His workrate set the tone for the entire side.
What the Coaches Said
After the game, Hawks coach Sam Mitchell praised the “team-first” mentality.
“We knew we had to bring intensity, discipline, and trust in each other. The boys stuck to the plan. It’s a win that rewards belief.”
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley didn’t mince words either:
“We didn’t bring the heat when it mattered. Credit to Hawthorn — they outworked us. We’ll learn and move on.”
Tassie: Hawthorn’s Home Away from Home
This win also reignites the conversation around Hawthorn’s strong connection to Tasmania. For years, the Hawks have played games in Launceston, building a loyal following that shows up in force — even in biting winter weather.
You could feel it on Saturday. Every tackle, every goal, every defensive act was cheered like a Grand Final win. For the locals, it might as well have been.
What This Means for the Season
For Hawthorn, the ladder doesn’t change much — they remain outside finals, but these four points are symbolic. Beating a top-four contender shows their rebuild is on track.
For Port Adelaide, the road to September just got bumpier. A loss like this highlights the inconsistency that can undo premiership dreams.
Looking Ahead
Hawthorn now travels to Perth to face Fremantle — another chance for the young Hawks to test themselves. If they bring the same grit, who knows?
Port Adelaide heads back home to regroup for a massive showdown with Geelong. Finals are still very much alive for them, but slip-ups like this can’t become a habit.
Final Thoughts
In footy, the ladder doesn’t always tell the full story. The Hawks showed heart, belief, and a defensive system that suffocated a powerful Port Adelaide outfit.
These are the wins that stick with fans — not because they decide a premiership, but because they show the club’s DNA is still strong.
For Hawthorn supporters in Tasmania and beyond, Saturday’s clash was more than just four points. It was a sign that better days are coming — and they might not be as far away as some think.
