Saturday's matchup between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide was quick to rekindle the fiery feelings fans have seen between the two sides over the past 12 months, with three goals coming in the opening minute as multiple off-ball free kicks were paid.
The opening play of the game saw the Hawks enter their forward 50 via a Lloyd Meek contest, with the ball eventually going out of play for a stoppage in the forward pocket.
A moment later, a free kick was paid against Power tall Ollie Lord in the middle of the field after he floored Hawks captain James Sicily.
Given the position of the ball, a free kick was paid near the point post in Hawthorn's forward line, with Calsher Dear converting a bending snap from the pocket.
The ball returned to the middle where Port Adelaide won the next centre clearance through Zak Butters, whose long driving ball found the hands of Mitch Georgiades a metre from the goal line.
Tensions rise early between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide leading to two free kicks at goal off the ball. #AFLHawksPort pic.twitter.com/i5ZiYVZVpN
โ AFL (@AFL) July 19, 2025
Georgiades was quick to slot his side's opening major of the day before another spot fire broke out, with Sicily dragging Power forward Jack Lukosius to the ground, conceding a free kick.
Lukosius took his set shot and kicked truly, bringing the score read 12-6 in favour of the South Australians with one minute passed on the clock.
The physical start to the game follows the corresponding fixture between these two clubs at Gather Round this year, with the Power enjoying a dominant win to conclude the festival of footy.
That contest saw five players earn MRO charges, four of which came for melees, with Lord and Georgiades both involved.
The meeting prior between the two clubs was last year's semi-final at Adelaide Oval, which the Power also won in a thrilling fashion before coach Ken Hinkley was punished for his post-game behaviour directed toward Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan.
