Preview: Hawks v Power

VENUE & TIME: Aurora Stadium, Saturday May 17, 2:10pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD: Hawthorn 5, Port Adelaide 12

LAST TIME: Port Adelaide 12.15 (87) def. Hawthorn 12.10 (82) at Aurora Stadium, Round 20 2007

WALKING WOUNDED: Hawthorn is expected to regain midfielder Chance Bateman from a hand injury but suffered a massive blow last round with Luke Hodge (three weeks) succumbing to a hamstring strain. Tim Boyle (corked hip) is still another week or two away. Port Adelaide welcomes back courageous defender Michael Wilson from an Achilles injury, while Warren Tredrea is also available after a corked calf. Chad Cornes is still at least another week away from resuming from a broken finger.

FORM: The Hawks have been irresistible so far this year and remained unbeaten after a 65-point thumping of Collingwood in Round 7. The Power have finally hit their stride after a disastrous start to the season when they lost their opening four games. Since then, Port Adelaide has won its past three matches including a 64-point hammering of Essendon last round.

WHO'S HOT: More of a case of 'who's not' as far as the Hawks are concerned. The defence is holding firm, Buddy and Roughead are kicking goals and the midfield is giving them plenty of supply. Skipper Sam Mitchell has been on fire in recent weeks, capping off a memorable display against the Magpies with 39 disposals. Daniel Motlop has done it all for Port Adelaide this year - already notching up contenders for mark and goal of the year. He was sensational against the Bombers, booting seven goals from 14 possessions and seven marks.

WE THINK: Hawthorn will be buoyed by the news of coach Alastair Clarkson's re-signing for a further three years on top of the commitments from skipper Sam Mitchell and star forward Lance Franklin earlier this year. The Hawks love playing in Tasmania; then again, so do the Power, who beat the Melbourne-based side by five points when Brett Ebert goaled just seconds before the final siren. Port also has an excellent record against the Hawks, winning 12 of their 17 clashes. This time, however, the Hawks are flying and look virtually unstoppable. With its stars in top nick, it looks all but impossible for a Port side without Chad Cornes. Hawthorn by 23 points.