‘Good cinema’: Hawks star embraces Port rivalry before Tassie clash

A Hawthorn star is embracing their rivalry with Port, adamant it’s “really good cinema” before the next chapter is written in Launceston on Saturday.

Hawthorn’s Connor Macdonald after kicking a vital goal in last month’s win over Adelaide in Launceston. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawthorn star Connor Macdonald insists the ‘Hollywood Hawks’ won’t shy away from its burgeoning rivalry with Port Adelaide, adamant the drama is “really good cinema”.

The Hawks take on the Power in Launceston on Saturday, the latest chapter in a spicy match-up sparked by a post-match exchange between Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley and Hawthorn livewire Jack Ginnivan during last year’s final series.

Before the Power’s tight semi final win, a Ginnivan social media post intimated the Hawks would advance to play Sydney in the preliminary final.

Port had the last laugh, leading to a post-match verbal confrontation between Hinkley and senior Hawthorn players.

Macdonald doesn’t shirk the spotlight as one of a handful of Hawks known for exuberant goal scoring celebrations.

“I think the rivalry is good for football, it creates a really good watch for the fans and all involved,” Macdonald told this masthead.

Connor Macdonald takes a mark. Picture: Michael Klein

“The rivalry probably started the last few years, and I believe it will continue on.

“There’s a few players in Hawthorn who thrive and love playing on the edge. If you can get the crowd involved, I think it’s just really good cinema.”

The Hawks will seek a tenth straight win at Launceston against a weakened Power outfit likely to be missing skipper Connor Rozee (fractured hand), while Jason Horne-Francis (broken foot) is out for the year.

Much debate has focused on whether Tasmania’s winter weather is suitable for night football after slippery conditions prevailed for the Hawks’ low-scoring scrap against Adelaide last month.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson also commented on how often his players lost their footing in their big loss to Hawthorn in round 16 in a twilight game.

Saturday’s contest begins at 1.20pm, the only afternoon clash of Hawthorn’s four games in Launceston this season.

Some have suggested it’s a deliberate ploy from the AFL to prove Hobart’s proposed new stadium needs a roof, but Macdonald was adamant Tasmania deserves prime time exposure.

“I think Tassie definitely deserves some night games,” he said.

“Unfortunately we can’t control the weather, and it has been a factor. But the last night game we played the number of fans who came out was almost a record for the stadium.

“The fans show up and that’s good for football. There’s been a lot of talk about the Tasmanian team coming in and a roof, and I think that will ultimately help the spectacle, but we love coming down to Tassie and it’s good for football.”

Blake Hardwick (left) and Connor Macdonald of the Hawks celebrate a goal earlier this season. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Before this Saturday’s Tasmania state election, the Liberal government has announced the Hawks would continue to play games in Launceston, even when the Devils enter the league, if they are re-elected, with a minimum of six AFL games total per year.

“We’re in full support of Tassie getting that team and I can’t speak on what the future looks like with the games down there. But for as along as Hawthorn’s had the connection with Tasmania, we’ve loved playing our four games a year,” Macdonald said.

“It’s just a normal part of our season now, even some of our coaches played footy down there for 10-15 years.”

Macdonald said the playing group were looking forward to finally moving into the club’s multimillion-dollar Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley post-season.

“It will be massive for us. It really is a world class venue with the professional aspect and the size of it, with what we’re being provided with as athletes but also the football staff and medical department,” he said.

“The aim is to get there in pre season and that will only elevate the men’s and women’s programs.”