We have a three-game slate to look forward to on Saturday in AFL Round 6, with the sandwich game being Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. The Hawks are in fine form and will enter this contest as the clear favourites, while the Power will be aiming to bounce back from a tough loss to the Saints last weekend.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Hawks vs Power below. And if you’re keen to back in our tips, consider doing so at Bet365 - one of the biggest and best sportsbooks in the world!
Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 6
High-Flying Hawks
Hawthorn returns to Marvel Stadium for this Round 6 clash sitting 3rd on the ladder after a strong 4-1 start to the 2026 season. Sam Mitchell’s offence is currently the most potent in the league, highlighted by a 145-83 victory over Essendon and a 104-64 demolition of the Bulldogs last week. Jai Newcombe is in career-best form, recording a massive 14 clearances in Round 5, while the team’s small forwards continue to wreak havoc in the forward half. The Hawks face significant selection changes this week, as Jack Gunston (corked calf) and Mabior Chol (hamstring) have both been ruled out. Their absence makes way for the long-awaited debut of father-son prospect Will McCabe and the return of 20-year-old forward Calsher Dear. This match also marks a major milestone for Karl Amon, who plays his 200th AFL game against his former side.
Big Week for the Power
Port Adelaide arrives in 10th position with a 2-3 record following a 14-point loss to St Kilda. The Power have faced a disrupted preparation after stand-in captain Zak Butters’ tribunal appearance for umpire abuse, though he avoided suspension and will play. Defensively, Port has struggled, conceding nearly 100 points per game in their losses and failing to contain high-speed transition. Injuries are beginning to pile up for the Power, while at selection this week they’ve chosen to recal Dante Visentini to support Jordon Sweet in the ruck. This structural shift places significant pressure on the remaining midfield group to win the ball at the source, as Port's 52% inside-50 efficiency remains a concern against a Hawthorn side that averages a league-high 59%. ncern against a Hawthorn side that averages a league-high 59%.
Recent H2H History
This has been a fun rivalry in recent years that Port Adelaide controlled, winning four of their last five meetings; however, the momentum shifted in Round 19 last year when Hawthorn dismantled the Power by 38 points, holding them to a lowly 49 points. It’s also important to note the Power have had significant list turnover and a change in coach in the past 12 months, and the Hawks will deservingly head into this meeting as the overwhelming favourites.
Hawks By How Much? Here’s Our Best Bet
Hawthorn -39.5 is the play as they appear a far superior team all over the ground. The Hawks hold a massive advantage in every key metric, from contested possession differential (+13.4) to scoring efficiency, and their familiarity with Marvel Stadium gives them a distinct home advantage. With Port Adelaide’s injury list piling up and their scoring output stalling recently, they simply lack the personnel to plug the holes across the field. Hawthorn is in clinical form and possesses the speed to exploit a depleted Power line-up; expect the Hawks to dominate from the outset and completely own this contest to cover the spread comfortably.
Hawthorn -39.5
$1.91 (2.5 Units)
Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide Prop Bet
Calsher Dear comes in for his first game of the season and it’s one where he and his fellow forwards should get plenty of looks at the big sticks. He kicked two goals against the Power when they last met which was in Round 19 last year, and he remains really nice value to hit the scoreboard on Saturday.
Calsher Dear 2+ Goals
$2.02
S Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide Same Game Multi
Hawthorn By 40+: See our best bet for reasoning.
Calsher Dear 2+ Goals: See our prop bet for reasoning.
Ollie Wines 20+ Disposals: After an injury-interrupted start to the season, Wines looked to be back in good form last weekend with 26 disposals. He should get to at least 20 again here.
Jai Newcombe 20+ Disposals: It’s been a solid start to the year for Newcombe who’s have 22+ disposals in all five games he’s played.
Same Game Odds: $4.20 at Bet365
Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday 18th April
Time: 4:15pm AEST
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Odds: Hawthorn $1.11 vs Port Adelaide $6.50
Line: -39.5
Points: 183.5
Where to Watch Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide
You can watch the Hawks vs Power live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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