Dual-club great calls on Port to lift to avoid another embarrassing straight-sets finals exit

Former dual-club great Shaun Burgoyne has put the heat on Port Adelaide ahead of the Power's last-ditch bid to keep their premiership dream alive, in Friday's semi-final against Hawthorn.

The four-time premiership winner played a pivotal role in Port's sole flag in 2004 before winning three in a row at the Hawks, and has jokingly dubbed the do-or-die clash the 'Shaun Burgoyne Cup'.

While hedging his bets as to who will win on Friday, Burgoyne called on the Power to lift to avoid another embarrassing finals flop – one that could bring an end to coach Ken Hinkley's 12-year reign. 

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"You can only put yourself in that position every year to have a crack," Burgoyne said. 

"I think Ken's done a great job this year getting the team into the top four, but finals footy is different to home-and-away footy. 

"It's more fierce, more cut-throat, and fans expect more as well."

Hawthorn fans are certainly riding the wave of their team's momentum, with 16 additional flights scheduled to get the enthusiastic supporters across the border. 

A bus convoy will also depart from Melbourne for Adelaide on Friday morning

"They'll be coming across to Adelaide full of confidence," Burgoyne said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.