Hawthorn Hawks vs Port Adelaide Power LIVE: AFL footy hits Launceston on Tasmanian election day
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12.56pm
Hawks switched on for crucial Power test
Hawthorn aren't taking anything for granted in Launceston as injury-hit rivals Port Adelaide present as a potential banana skin on the path towards the AFL finals.
The Power, who are out of top-eight contention, will be without injured stars Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis for the clash at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.
But Hawks defender Josh Battle is wary of a Port outfit that have won the last four meetings between the sides, including last year's explosive semi-final and a one-sided rout earlier this season.
'We know they're a good side when they're at their best as well,' Battle said.
'They've had the wood over us in the last few games we've played, so we're looking forward to coming up against them.
'It will be a good contest.'
Hawthorn (11-6) slipped to seventh with last week's loss to Fremantle but are more than comfortable in Launceston, where they have won their last 10 games.
Former St Kilda backman Battle has featured in all three - victories over GWS (12 points), Adelaide (three) and North Melbourne (85) - since his high-profile switch to the Hawks this season.
'It's been great for us,' Battle said.
'We've got a pretty good record here, so (we've been) really looking forward to coming down here.
'We know it's a massive opportunity to perform against a good side.'
Port assistant coach Josh Carr said there had been no secret to the Power's recent success against the Hawks, in a rivalry that has seemingly cooled since their Gather Round grudge match fell flat.
'The contest has always been really tight,' said Carr, who will take over from coach Ken Hinkley at the end of the season.
'We haven't been lucky to get over the line because we've actually made that happen, but we know how these games pan out.
'They're really tough games and we prepare for Hawthorn's best.
'The weather's going to be pretty rough, so it won't be any pretty football that needs to be played.'
Port made three changes to the team that beat West Coast last week, with captain Rozee (hand), gun midfielder Horne-Francis (foot) and Willie Rioli (omitted) all out.
Dylan Williams will play his first senior game of the season, after kicking seven goals in a rare appearance as a forward in the SANFL last week.
Jackson Mead and Logan Evans also return.
Hawthorn also made three changes, recalling Mitch Lewis for his first game this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury.
Lewis replaces fellow key forward Mabior Chol (sore groin), while Jack Scrimshaw and Bailey Macdonald were preferred over Cam Mackenzie and Changkuoth Jiath (both omitted).
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