Port Adelaide fans confident to go all the way with win over Hawks

Port Adelaide fans are thrilled over a nailbiting win over the Hawks, and now are expecting grand final appearance.

As fans gathered at Festival Plaza to march as one across the footbridge at 6pm, banners flying and drums beating, twin fraternal spectres of agony and ecstasy hovered above.

The feared agony of a Groundhog Day repeat of 2023’s exit in straight sets; the hope of ecstasy of defeating the Hawks to obliterate last week’s humiliating loss to Geelong and replace it with the charge to the preliminary final to take on the Sydney Swans.

Then, on to the grand final and victory, 20 years after the Power’s famous first flag when it ended Brisbane’s triple run of premierships.

Port Adelaide legend Greg Anderson and Premier Peter Malinauskas arriving for the Port v Hawthorn semi final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Fading blue skies and little wind made it a near-perfect Friday the 13th evening but many fans were clearly nervous as they converged on Adelaide Oval.

Michelle Gulyard of Albert Park was “anxious.”

“I think it could be our year but it depends what team turns up tonight, our good one or not so good one,” she said.

Janine Rafanelli of Plympton Park was leaving nothing to chance.

“I have totally changed all my clothes from last week, even my nail polish,” she said.

“They know they need to come out fighting, that’s what supporters want.”

The banter begins between Drew Lamont, son Callan, and mother in law Liz McHugh. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Port Adelaide Army cross the footbridge to the Port v Hawthorn semi final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Sally Ifanfis of Edwardstown said: “I’m very nervous but if we get up we can beat Sydney - but I don’t want a repeat of 2007 playing Geelong in the grand final.”

Mark Mundy of Largs North is hoping for a repeat of 2004’s premiership victory.

“I went to the recent ‘04 reunion - it’s an omen,” he said.

Peter Keogh of Glenelg East was more confident than nervous, saying: “This is our year.”

Duncan MacDonald of Myrtle Bank agreed but confessed “I’m a bit nervous.”

Crystal Mayer and Emily Ant were both nervous but regardless of the result are renewing their memberships, saying they love the club’s atmosphere, music and sense of belonging.

Plenty of families turned out in force including youngsters not born when Port hoisted the 2004 premiership cup.

Caleb Penrose, 10, said a win would ‘“make me happy - then for them (Port) to go all the way.”

Patrick and Louise Cope of Glenelg North confessed they were not confident as fans flooded in at the South Gate in a cheerful carnival atmosphere, preparing to sing Never Tear Us Apart.

“But if they do win tonight they are a big chance in Sydney,” Patrick said.

Spyro Dinedios of Manningham summed up the sentiments of many.

“I just want them to bounce back, to show some spirit under adversity,” he said.

“If they do bounce back tonight they can go on with it.”

The spine tingling rendition of Never Tear Us Apart prior to the first bounce saw a sea of Port scarfs waved - but also loads of Hawks scarfs from a mass contingent of cheeky Hawthorn fans determined to dilute the home ground advantage.

Final siren

A thunderous roar of approval for Hinkley’s heroes shook Adelaide Oval as the final siren confirmed Port Adelaide is back on track for grand final glory.

Ecstatic fans let the football world know the Power is on after Port stormed to a heart-stopping victory over the valiant Hawks to seal a preliminary finals berth against Sydney.

Port fans cheer after a big win.. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Fears of a repeat of last year’s straight sets finals exit were brushed aside and fans were quick to reinstall coach Ken Hinkley as their sporting messiah, after some “sack Hinkley” grumbling following last week’s humiliating loss to Geelong.

“We’re back baby, the granny is ours for the taking” a delighted Elaine Minerds declared hugging and dancing with daughter Renee as the siren sounded.

“That’s was just brilliant, you bet we are back,” an exultant Renee added.

Jason Horne-Francis of the Power celebrates a goal with teammates. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Friday the 13th proved lucky as Hinkley equalled Mark Williams’ record of coaching Port for 273 games with victory by less than a goal.

From the first bounce, moments after the spine tingling Never Tear Us Apart anthem, Power showed the Port Adelaide aggression missing last week to limit the Hawks to just two points in the first quarter.

Hawthorn fans were out in force and while devastated at the oh-so-close loss, should be satisfied at finishing the year better than expected.

With less than one goal in it at three-quarter time and Port leading 50-45 there was no early rush to the exits from the 51,012 crowd.

Then it was raining goals in the final tense quarter and no-one was game to leave as the “Power” chants bellowed.

Then for the Port faithful, it was party time with sights on the preliminary final and beyond.