‘Bit of a blur’: RIDICULOUS scenes as Power produce biggest-ever AFLW comeback in cutthroat final

Inconceivably, Port Adelaide has erased a 22-point three-quarter-time deficit to overrun Hawthorn and progress to a preliminary final, winning 7.8 (50) to 6.13 (49).

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An inspired Power kicked four goals to the Hawks’ one in the final term at Ikon Park on Saturday night — producing the biggest three-quarter-time comeback in AFLW history.

They will play North Melbourne in the first preliminary final next weekend.

Port Adelaide — a first-time finalist — trailed 5.12 (42) to 3.2 (20) at the final change but well and truly flipped the switch with its season on the line — winning the contested possession count by 20, the inside-50 tally by 11, and clearances by 11.

Superstar forward Gemma Houghton was overcome by emotion in the aftermath.

“I’m so proud of the girls. We were four goals down, and that was literally just digging so deep and leaving nothing out there,” Houghton told Fox Footy post-game.

“The emotional, I think, has just been such a big ride for us. We’re away from home, but we feel our Alberton crowd with us. It’s incredible.”

As has become the expectation, the 30-year-old Houghton was the most threatening attacking option at either end on Saturday night — logging 2.2 to go with 13 disposals, four marks and two tackles.

Port Adelaide senior coach Lauren Arnell later added: “It’s all a bit of a blur, to be honest.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks, who on Saturday played at Ikon Park for just the second time in their history, are out in straight sets — and inaccuracy cost them full price again.

Missed chances proved costly for Hawthorn in its qualifying final loss to the Lions — recording four more scoring shots but losing by a goal. On Saturday, it managed a shocking 6.13 scoreline.

Relive the blog below for moment-by-moment updates!

HAWTHORN vs. PORT ADELAIDE — AS IT HAPPENED

As was the case in Norwood earlier today, the temperature is more than warm in Melbourne — expected to remain 30-plus degrees for at least the first half of the contest.

FIRST QUARTER

The temperature remained a sweltering 32 degrees as the ball was first bounced.

Dominant Port Adelaide key forward Gemma Houghton asserted herself early, bursting from stoppage and assisting Ella Boag as she slammed home the first goal of the game from the goalsquare.

The Power owned the opening stages, but the Hawks soon found a groove — registering 16 inside-50s — and finally getting some reward for their effort via goals to Aine McDonagh and Greta Bodey.

Hawthorn, who owned territory to the tune of 17 inside-50s to Port’s four — took a nine-point advantage into the first change.

“It’s been a clinic … it’s been their handball game — they’re +30 in handballs,” former AFLW senior coach Daniel Harford noted on Fox Footy.

“If they (the Power) can’t (limit) Hawthorn’s handballing … it’s going to be a long night.”

SECOND QUARTER

Houghton made her presence felt again to start the second quarter, marking impressively in the pocket and craftily slotting her set shot. Four-point game.

Later, Ebony O’Dea snapped a stellar goal to put the Power back in front.

But just like that, another swing — Jasmine Fleming marked, played on and dribbled home a major from a fair distance. Now a three-point lead for the hosts.

Hawthorn’s Emily Bates leads all ball-getters with 14 disposals as half-time nears. Molly Brooksby’s nine possessions lead the way for the Power.

The Hawks squandered multiple golden opportunities in front of goal late in the half — with Jas Fleming kicking 1.2 — taking just a six-point lead into the main change after kicking 3.8.

Missed chances proved costly for Hawthorn in its qualifying final loss to the Lions — recording four more scoring shots but losing by a goal. Will it cost them again tonight?

“We saw that (inaccuracy) last week against Brisbane,” Harford noted during Fox Footy’s half-time coverage.

“Similar scenario here; they really should be three or four goals up at half-time.

“They haven’t had that opportunity because they didn’t take their opportunities.”

THIRD QUARTER

Louise Stephenson kicked the first goal of the second half to stretch Hawthorn’s lead to 12 points.

Aine McDonagh was treated by the Hawks’ medical staff after having her hand trod on in a contest.

Another chance in front of goal went begging for the Hawks, who are now a wayward 4.11 for the evening.

A booming inside-50 kick by Aileen Gilroy — who has 310 metres gained for the game — resulted in another Greta Bodey goal. The Hawks now lead by 21 points, and those inaccuracy concerns suddenly seem less significant.

Hawthorn took a game-high 22-point lead into the final change after keeping the Power scoreless in the third. The Hawks are one clean quarter away from their maiden preliminary final berth.

“It’s a rampage, and it’s unsustainable for Port Adelaide to defend, the way it’s going.

“They (the Hawks) have had 46 inside-50s for the game; the record this year is 51 … the all-time record is 53 — they’ll smash that tonight.

“It’s just a constant barrage.”

FOURTH QUARTER

Abbey Dowrick has given Port Adelaide a sniff to begin this final quarter! She snaps one home from close range to bring the Power to within 15 points.

Houghton blew a chance to get Port within single digits before quickly making amends and slotting her second major from the boundary! Eight-point game.

“Port Adelaide are coming!” caller Jason Bennett exclaimed.

After drawing a free kick in a ruck contest, Matilda Scholz kicked truly and it’s a one-point game. Remember, it was a 22-point three-quarter-time margin!

Goodness gracious me — Port Adelaide is in front with four minutes remaining! Dowrick slams home her second running into an open goal, and the Hawks are in absolute shambles!

But just like that, the Hawks hit back and snatch the lead back through Kaitlyn Ashmore! This has become an incredible AFLW final!

And the drama doesn’t stop there. A rushed Port Adelaide behind followed by a miss by Sachi Syme saw Port Adelaide hit the front again! It’s 50-49 with seconds remaining.

THAT’S IT! PORT ADELAIDE HAS DONE IT!

“One of the great AFLW final wins we’ve ever seen,” Bennett said at full-time.