The AFL will have its dream grand final match-up next Saturday after Hawthorn beat Port Adelaide by three points in last night’s thrilling preliminary final.

Hawthorn held on to win 15.7 (97) to Port’s 13.16 (94) in front of almost 75 thousand fans at the MCG.

For the third year in a row Hawthorn has advanced to the grand final after winning their preliminary final by less than a goal.

And for the second time in three seasons they’ll face Sydney, who beat them in the 2012 decider.

Sydney’s star forward Lance Franklin is in fabulous form after his five goals in Friday’s win over North Melbourne and the ex-Hawk will take on his 2013 premiership teammates in what’s expected to be a classic encounter.