September!!!!!!

A breathtaking contest at Adelaide Oval that went down to the very last second as the Power claim a brilliant three-point win to advance to the Preliminary Finals!

It was a seemingly perfect start for the home side as the Power surged to an early lead, dominating field position with the vocal locals rocking Adelaide Oval.

There were certainly no nerves surrounding the rib concerns of Zak Butters, as the competition’s toughest attacked the footy as hard as ever.

Port Adelaide continued to suffocate the Hawks as the second term ensued, putting on a midfield and contested clinic before three free kick goals saw Hawthorn well and truly back in the game.

A magical start from The Wizard had the Hawks in front in third term, but it did not last long, with a big Mitch Georgiades smother sending the power further a-head.

Luke Breust found the sticks for the 549th time in his 300th AFL contest, dragging the contest back to just five points and setting up an all-time final term.

The heart stopping ending saw the Power hold on in an absolute thriller, Port Adelaide claiming an incredible 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) victory.

We graded every player in the phenomenal Semi-Final:

Port Adelaide

Jase Burgoyne: A+

Involved in everything down back and up the ground, as composed as ever under enormous pressure. Played well above his size in every aspect. 25 disposals, seven intercepts and a goal for the youngster.

Jason Horne-Francis: A

In from the jump and didn’t look back. So damaging with ball-in-hand, two direct goal assists from his 19 touches and a goal.

Connor Rozee: A

Kicked the first to lift his side and the crowd after a big week on media street. Put everyone on notice early and carried it all the way through. 20 disposals, nine tackles and a goal, brilliant.

Willie Rioli: A

As good of a small forward performance as you could have asked for. 15 disposals, two goals, led the game with eight score involvements, creative all day.

Jordan Sweet: A-

A fantastic game from Sweet. Matched Lloyd Meek for size and physicality all night. A whopping 53 hit outs, seven score involvements and an equal game-high six clearances.

Mitch Georgiades: B+

A prolific game from Georgiades. Brilliant leading patterns, looked likely with most entries. Finished with three, could have had more.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher: B+

One of the better games of his career. Equal game-high nine intercepts, was strong all night.

Ollie Wines: B+

Vital in edging out the midfield battle.

Willem Drew: B+

Tackled absolutely everything. Played a very strong role all night.

Darcy Byrne-Jones: B

A necessary move back into the forward half reaped all the benefits.

Zak Butters: B

Truly as tough as they come. Playing through pain, dug deep.

Aliir Aliir: B

Lachie Jones: B

A great game for Jones.

Logan Evans: B

Silky. Nine intercepts, becoming a really important piece for Ken Hinkley.

Travis Boak: C+

Miles Bergman: C+

Not as much impact as he would have liked, still a solid performance.

Josh Sinn: C

Esave Ratugolea: C

Quinton Narkle: C

Jackson Mead: C

Francis Evans: C-

Had a role on Sicily and wasn't able to slow him.

Todd Marshall: N/A

Everything Ken would have hoped for from Marshall’s introduction early, went out in the second term for a concussion test, managed to return before being withdrawn for the game at 3QT.

Will Lorenz: N/A

A super late inclusion, came into the game as the sub in the final term.

Hawthorn

Jai Newcombe: A

Continuing his incredible run of form, proving week on week that he should be mentioned in conversations with the best of the best. 31 disposals, six tackles and six clearances.

Nick Watson: A

Electric, particularly to kickstart the second half and drag the Hawks back into the contest. So infectious, three goals and as dangerous as ever.

Jack Scrimshaw: A-

Phenomenal in the first half. Had his name on every footy entering the back half. Seven intercepts in the first half alone. Continued to play out the game well. Finished with 22 disposals.

James Sicily: A-

Tightly manned all day and yet still played an essential role. Back with the flight on multiple occasions, went forward to slot a huge goal in the fourth and only slightly missed another two.

Blake Hardwick: B+

A game-changer in the stickiest of deep defensive battles.

Finn Maginness: B

An absolute workhorse. Kicked the most vital of goals late in the contest, did damage both behind and ahead of the ball.

Harry Morrison: B

Plenty of touch, used well.

Dylan Moore: B

Massimo D’Ambrosio: B-

A beneficiary of Hawthorn's spread, didn't have his usual impact with the game being played in-tight. Still very strong in his possession.

Josh Weddle: B-

Took the game on all night.

Lloyd Meek: B-

Edged out by Sweet in a great ruck contest.

Conor Nash: B-

Really physical, good on the night.

James Worpel: B-

Strong in tight, five clearances.

Karl Amon: B-

Jarman Impey: C+

Jack Ginnivan: C+

Kicked a few good goals but not a whole lot of say on the game.

Josh Ward: C+

Didn't have the same impact as last week but still a strong effort.

Mabior Chol: C

Left a few good opportunities on the table.

Jai Serong: C

Calsher Dear: C

Nailed the Hawks’ desperately needed first against the run of play

Connor Macdonald: C

Jack Gunston: N/A

Removed from the contest with just two touches at the half.

Luke Breust: N/A

Came on for the second half to play out his 300th. Slotted a massive goal.

A contest against minor premiers Sydney awaits for Port Adelaide, as the brilliant Hawks see their season come to an end.