Port Adelaide pulled off a stunning upset in the AFLW semi-finals, completing a remarkable comeback to secure a preliminary final spot against North Melbourne. Trailing by 22 points at the final break, the Power defied the odds with an incredible final-quarter turnaround, winning by just one point, 7.8 (50) to 6.13 (49), under the lights at Ikon Park.
Abbey Dowrick, Gemma Houghton, and Matilda Scholz were instrumental in the thrilling last-quarter surge, combining for four goals that propelled Port Adelaide ahead, ultimately knocking out the highly rated Hawthorn team. With this victory, the Power advanced to face North Melbourne in next week’s preliminary final.
Once Port Adelaide hit the front, Hawthorn fought back fiercely, with Kaitlyn Ashmore briefly putting the Hawks ahead again with a fast-paced end-to-end goal. However, the Power held their nerve, regaining the lead and clinching the win. The Hawks struggled to contain the speed and fluid ball movement of Port Adelaide, with Houghton (13 disposals, two goals) and Dowrick (13 disposals, two goals) shining in the final moments.
The game was a battle of contrasting styles: tough, contested football versus fast, clean ball movement. When the contest became more physical, Port Adelaide gained the upper hand, while Hawthorn looked dangerous when they could break free from stoppages and use their speed.
The Hawks initially got off to a strong start with Ella Boag scoring early, but Port Adelaide quickly responded. Hawthorn’s inability to convert on attack, much like in their previous match, allowed the Power to stay in the game. Ebony O’Dea’s third career goal briefly gave Port Adelaide the lead in the second quarter, but Jasmine Fleming (16 disposals, one goal) stood out for the Hawks, showing her skill and pace in a dominant forward role.
Port Adelaide’s first-year players also stepped up when needed. Shineah Goody (15 disposals, 354 meters gained) impressed with her run along the wing, while Molly Brooksby (18 disposals, 512 meters gained) was a defensive rock, and Piper Window (11 disposals, 11 tackles) battled hard in the midfield.
Meanwhile, the Hawks were hampered by injuries, with key players like Aine McDonagh, Fleming, Mattea Breed, Ainslie Kemp, and Tilly Lucas-Rodd all requiring medical attention as the game wore on. Despite their resilience, Hawthorn couldn’t hold off the Power’s relentless charge.
**Final Score:**
HAWTHORN: 2.3, 3.8, 5.12, 6.13 (49)
PORT ADELAIDE: 1.0, 3.2, 3.2, 7.8 (50)
**Goals:** Bodey 2, McDonagh, Fleming, Stephenson, Ashmore
**Best Players:** West, Fleming, Bodey, Bates, Gilroy
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