Gather Round in the AFL concludes on Sunday night with a highly-anticipated clash between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval. These clubs played in a nail-biting semi-final a season ago and plenty of fiery words were exchanged after the final siren. It should be an entertaining rematch in front of a packed crowd, and we have you covered with our full preview and betting tips below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn
Location: Adelaide Oval
Date: Sunday, 13th April
Time: 7:20pm AEST
Odds: Port Adelaide ($2.95) vs Hawthorn ($1.40)
Line: Hawthorn -13.5
Points: 170.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
In a compelling match-up at Adelaide Oval, Hawthorn enters with form, structure and momentum all firmly on their side. Sitting at 4–0, the Hawks have looked composed and clinical, while Port Adelaide, languishing at 1–3, are searching for cohesion and defensive stability. The contrast between the two sides is reflected not only on the ladder but also in the key numbers, where Hawthorn has looked far more assured both with and without the ball.
The Hawks have averaged 90.75 points per game across their opening four matches, comfortably outscoring opponents with swift ball movement and efficient inside-50 entries. Their defensive system, while not perfect, has held up well, conceding an average of 71.25 points per game—ranking among the more balanced defensive units in the league. Sam Mitchell’s side has shown versatility and depth in each third of the ground, consistently finding multiple scoring avenues while applying relentless pressure on the opposition’s ball carriers. Their capacity to absorb pressure and counter-attack efficiently has underpinned their unbeaten start.
Port Adelaide, meanwhile, continues to struggle at both ends. Averaging just 79.25 points for and leaking 91.25 per game, they have failed to control matches across four rounds, with issues emerging in both contested possession and transition defence. Their only win came against a lowly Richmond outfit, and their three defeats have highlighted structural flaws, particularly when the ball moves quickly through the corridor. The Power’s midfield has been outmatched for stretches, and their defensive group has failed to contain fast entries. Despite moments of promise, Port’s lack of sustained pressure and poor defensive numbers indicate a side currently short of rhythm and confidence.
Compounding matters for the hosts is the lingering edge from last year’s tense semi-final, where Port escaped with a narrow three-point win in a fiery contest. Frustration boiled over that day, with off-field incidents involving Ken Hinkley and Jack Ginnivan only intensifying the rivalry. While Hinkley has dismissed the idea of added emotion this time, comments from Hawthorn’s camp—most notably from Nick Watson—suggest this fixture has been earmarked for retribution. With Hawthorn playing with a clear identity and Port still searching for theirs, it’s difficult to see the visitors easing off the pressure in any quarter.
On current form and with the underlying stats in Hawthorn’s favour, a comfortable victory for the visitors appears likely. The Hawks are well-drilled, confident, and executing cleanly in all phases of the game. By contrast, the Power are conceding too heavily, not scoring efficiently enough, and showing few signs of reversing the trend against quality opposition. If Hawthorn maintains its standards, the outcome should be decisive, with the Hawks extending their unbeaten run and deepening the pressure on a faltering Port side.
Also Backing: Hawthorn 40+ $4.00 (0.5 Units)
Hawthorn -15.5
$1.91 (2.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 AFL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Hawthorn to Win – For the reasons above.
Jack Ginnivan 2+ Goals – Will be highly motivated after what happened at the end of their last meeting. He’s good value for two goals here.
Zak Butters 25+ Disposals – Hit the ground running in his first game of the season last weekend and didn’t look underdone. Happy to back in the star mid to rack them up again.
SGM Odds: $3.20 at BoomBet
