In a captivating clash of the AFLW’s rising stars, the Hawthorn Hawks are set to host the Port Adelaide Power in a crucial elimination final at Ikon Park this Saturday night. Both teams, newcomers to the league, are vying for their first taste of premiership glory in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Hawthorn and Port Adelaide joined the AFLW during the competition’s final expansion phase in 2022, and neither had managed to break into the top eight until this season. Now, they find themselves on the cusp of a historic opportunity to make their mark on the league’s biggest stage.
Hawks Soar to Second Place
The Hawks have been the surprise package of the 2024 season, finishing the home-and-away rounds in an impressive second place. While some skeptics had questioned the strength of their fixture, Hawthorn silenced doubters with a gritty performance against defending champions Brisbane in the qualifying final last Sunday.
Although the Hawks ultimately fell short by a solitary kick, their tenacity and skill were on full display. The match concluded with a tense melee that required intervention from officials, a testament to the fierce competitiveness of both sides. According to sources close to the league, the AFL’s integrity unit is still reviewing the incident.
All-Australian Accolades
Hawthorn’s stellar season was further recognized with a league-leading six players named to the All-Australian squad this week. Vice-captain Eliza West, one of the selected stars, shared her initial shock upon receiving the news:
I was a bit worried initially, but once we got told it was the All-Australian squad, I was absolutely stoked. Everyone was shocked, but the group really celebrated us and celebrated us hard.
– Eliza West, Hawthorn Hawks vice-captain
Power Surge into Finals
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide has been in scintillating form, riding a seven-game winning streak into the finals. The Power’s most recent triumph came against Richmond in a commanding 24-point victory last week. However, they face a psychological hurdle in their upcoming clash with Hawthorn, having never beaten the Hawks in AFLW history nor won at Ikon Park.
Port Adelaide’s success has been driven by the emergence of young stars like defender Amelie Borg, midfielder Shineah Goody, and ruck Matilda Scholz, all just 19 years old. Coach Lauren Arnell has heaped praise on Borg, who has stepped up as the on-field leader in the absence of injured captain Janelle Cuthbertson:
Her work off field as well to help lead this group, and just be a genuinely good teammate, and work her backside off every week really sets the tone for the group and without Janelle out there, she’s the leader.
– Lauren Arnell, Port Adelaide Power coach on Amelie Borg
Rising Stars Shine Bright
In addition to her All-Australian selection, Scholz has also been nominated for the coveted Mark of the Year and Rising Star awards. These accolades serve as a testament to the incredible young talent on display at Port Adelaide.
Hawthorn’s Eliza West acknowledged the Power’s impressive form but remained confident in her team’s ability to rise to the challenge:
Credit to them, they’re on a roll and doing really well. But us too, I think we’ve had an outstanding season and looking at a team like that it’s just any regular game, and so we will bring our strengths.
– Eliza West on the upcoming match against Port Adelaide
Battle of the Upstarts
As the AFLW’s emerging powers prepare to clash, fans are eagerly anticipating a finals series that showcases the league’s bright future. The winner of this elimination final will take a significant step towards etching their name in the history books and claiming their maiden premiership.
The stakes could not be higher, with both teams fighting to keep their season alive. Will Hawthorn’s grit and experience prevail, or will Port Adelaide’s youthful exuberance carry them to victory? One thing is certain: sparks are set to fly when these two fierce competitors take to the field at Ikon Park on Saturday night.
Finals Fever Heats Up
In the other semi-final, Adelaide will face off against Fremantle at Norwood Oval, where temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-30s on Saturday afternoon. The scorching conditions will add an extra layer of intensity to what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most consistent performers.
As the finals series unfolds, fans will be treated to a showcase of the AFLW’s finest talent. The All-Australian team, set to be announced on November 25 during grand final week, will honor the standout performers from a season that has delivered no shortage of memorable moments and breakout stars.
With the stage set for a thrilling climax to the 2024 AFLW season, all eyes will be on Ikon Park this Saturday night as Hawthorn and Port Adelaide battle for the right to keep their premiership dream alive. In a clash of the upstarts, only one team can emerge victorious and take a step closer to AFLW glory.
Although the Hawks ultimately fell short by a solitary kick, their tenacity and skill were on full display. The match concluded with a tense melee that required intervention from officials, a testament to the fierce competitiveness of both sides. According to sources close to the league, the AFL’s integrity unit is still reviewing the incident.
All-Australian Accolades
Hawthorn’s stellar season was further recognized with a league-leading six players named to the All-Australian squad this week. Vice-captain Eliza West, one of the selected stars, shared her initial shock upon receiving the news:
I was a bit worried initially, but once we got told it was the All-Australian squad, I was absolutely stoked. Everyone was shocked, but the group really celebrated us and celebrated us hard.
– Eliza West, Hawthorn Hawks vice-captain
Power Surge into Finals
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide has been in scintillating form, riding a seven-game winning streak into the finals. The Power’s most recent triumph came against Richmond in a commanding 24-point victory last week. However, they face a psychological hurdle in their upcoming clash with Hawthorn, having never beaten the Hawks in AFLW history nor won at Ikon Park.
Port Adelaide’s success has been driven by the emergence of young stars like defender Amelie Borg, midfielder Shineah Goody, and ruck Matilda Scholz, all just 19 years old. Coach Lauren Arnell has heaped praise on Borg, who has stepped up as the on-field leader in the absence of injured captain Janelle Cuthbertson:
Her work off field as well to help lead this group, and just be a genuinely good teammate, and work her backside off every week really sets the tone for the group and without Janelle out there, she’s the leader.
– Lauren Arnell, Port Adelaide Power coach on Amelie Borg
Rising Stars Shine Bright
In addition to her All-Australian selection, Scholz has also been nominated for the coveted Mark of the Year and Rising Star awards. These accolades serve as a testament to the incredible young talent on display at Port Adelaide.
Hawthorn’s Eliza West acknowledged the Power’s impressive form but remained confident in her team’s ability to rise to the challenge:
Credit to them, they’re on a roll and doing really well. But us too, I think we’ve had an outstanding season and looking at a team like that it’s just any regular game, and so we will bring our strengths.
– Eliza West on the upcoming match against Port Adelaide
Battle of the Upstarts
As the AFLW’s emerging powers prepare to clash, fans are eagerly anticipating a finals series that showcases the league’s bright future. The winner of this elimination final will take a significant step towards etching their name in the history books and claiming their maiden premiership.
The stakes could not be higher, with both teams fighting to keep their season alive. Will Hawthorn’s grit and experience prevail, or will Port Adelaide’s youthful exuberance carry them to victory? One thing is certain: sparks are set to fly when these two fierce competitors take to the field at Ikon Park on Saturday night.
Finals Fever Heats Up
In the other semi-final, Adelaide will face off against Fremantle at Norwood Oval, where temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-30s on Saturday afternoon. The scorching conditions will add an extra layer of intensity to what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most consistent performers.
As the finals series unfolds, fans will be treated to a showcase of the AFLW’s finest talent. The All-Australian team, set to be announced on November 25 during grand final week, will honor the standout performers from a season that has delivered no shortage of memorable moments and breakout stars.
With the stage set for a thrilling climax to the 2024 AFLW season, all eyes will be on Ikon Park this Saturday night as Hawthorn and Port Adelaide battle for the right to keep their premiership dream alive. In a clash of the upstarts, only one team can emerge victorious and take a step closer to AFLW glory.
