Essendon's Preliminary Final opponent is far from cut and dried, according to Essendon assistant coach Mark Harvey. The betting outlets would have you believe that the Bombers are certain to front Port Adelaide on Saturday week. But Harvey believes Hawthorn will go into its semi-final match with plenty of confidence after its victory over Sydney. ""I saw some very good signs for Hawthorn last weekend,"" Harvey said. ""Their game plan really looked to come together in the second half and they have got a great chance this weekend.""

""Port Adelaide is travelling back from Brisbane and that is a pretty long trip,"" Harvey said. ""And they will also have to work hard to shut down the Hawthorn talls - they have so many marking options up forward it will really stretch Port Adelaide. At the moment - with Stephen Paxman missing - Darren Mead and Scott Bassett have had to hold down the key defensive positions.""

But Harvey said Port Adelaide was a very good side who will be desperate not to go out of the finals in straight sets. ""They have excellent mid-field speed and that is where they will really test Hawthorn providing they have recovered from last weekend,"" Harvey said. ""Warren Tredrea is an excellent forward and Gavin Wanganeen, Peter Burgoyne and Che Cockatoo-Collins can really break a game open.""

Harvey said the match was too close to call but said no matter who got through, the Bombers would face a very big task the following weekend.