HAWTHORN will play the Sydney Swans in this year's Grand Final after defeating Port Adelaide by three points in Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG.
After starting slowly, the Hawks seized control with a six-goal second term on their way to the 15.7 (97) to 13.16 (94) victory.
The Power almost snatched an incredible victory, but came up just short after booting the final four goals of the contest.
Jarryd Roughead booted six goals in a standout performance, while Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell were prolific through the midfield.
The win sets up a rematch of the 2012 premiership decider and will see Swans superstar Lance Franklin come up against his old side.
The Power dominated the first quarter but were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal with just three goals from 12 scoring shots.
Trailing by 12 points at the first break, the Hawks came to life in the second quarter with six majors to take an 11-point lead into half-time.
They carried that momentum into the third term with Roughead booting three goals to extend the lead out to 23 points at the final change.
The Power stormed home with the final four goals, but the Hawks held on to advance to their third straight Grand Final.
HAWTHORN 2.3 8.4 13.6 15.7 (97)
PORT ADELAIDE 3.9 5.11 8.13 13.16 (94)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Roughead 6, Gunston 2, Smith 2, Hale, Langford, Suckling, Duryea, Hodge
Port Adelaide: Monfries 4, Gray 3, Neade, Wingard, Westhoff, Boak, Schulz, Polec
BEST
Hawthorn: Roughead, Hodge, Mitchell, Langford, Smith, Hill, Stratton
Port Adelaide: Boak, Ebert, Gray, Hombsch, Jonas, Monfries
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Lewis (corked thigh)
Port Adelaide: Hombsch (concussion)
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Jordan Lewis (corked thigh) replaced by Jonathan Simpkin at three-quarter time
Port Adelaide: Jackson Trengove replaced by Andrew Moore three-quarter time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Stevic, Schmitt
Official crowd: 74,856 at the MCG
