Preliminary Final – Hawthorn v Port Adelaide: A classic match (from 2014)

John Harms re-visits the 2014 preliminary final between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide. [Hard to believe Port nearly pulled it off – Ed]

The Final Exam – a Hawks fan’s hopes and dreams

Hannah Kuhar captures the obsessive madness of the footy fan, especially one who is preparing for VCE exams, swept along in the finals tidal wave. Life as a metaphor for footy. (Brilliant – Ed.)

A Fan’s Delusion Takes Up Residence With A Real-Life Dilemma

Gregor Lewis relives his Hawks nail-biting Preliminary Final win over Port Adelaide. What will it mean for the Grand Final? It’s all a question of identity – for his Hawks and for his mum.

AFL Preliminary Final – Hawthorn v Port Adelaide: In a tense finish, the mighty Hawks win the day

Our very talented eight year old reporter Kaisha Thompson (our youngest so far) was at the MCG for the preliminary final. Here is her report. [And we love the photo too Kaisha]

AFL Preliminary Final – Hawthorn v Port Adelaide: X for the unknown and treasure

Alan Stewart has his lucky meal prior to the game, and wonders why his Hawks struggle so much with Preliminary Finals.

AFL Preliminary Final – Hawthorn v Port Adelaide: “Sometimes you kick. Sometimes you get kicked.”

Stainless Steele is impressed by Port Adelaide’s approach to the game and is convinced they are no one-hit wonder.

The Hinkley Factor

Dips O’Donnell pays tribute to the attacking, joyful footy that Ken Hinkley has embraced at Port Adelaide.

AFL Preliminary Final – Hawthorn v Port Adelaide: This one’s for Gibbo

Players take no solace from a loss – Josh Gibson explained this sternly to Trucker Slim back in May. Port Adelaide played with speed, ingenuity and sublime skill, but did not quite do enough.

The 2014 ‘Mopsy’ Fraser Cup: Finally, Four

There’s plenty of ways to turn punters away and off, and the AFL has the knack of discovering them. Earl O’Neill (with a great line about 1977) on his Preliminary Finals plan.