If the Crows failed as badly as Port Adelaide did this week, I’d be angry too | Michael Mkoka-Nicholson

Even as a victorious Crows fan this weekend I could see the double standards at play, writes Michael Mkoka-Nicholson.

As I was basking in the glow of a prime time Sunday arvo Crows win at Adelaide Oval (albeit against an undercooked St Kilda) and having seen the Power capitulate to the club’s worst loss under Ken Hinkley the night before, it dawned on me … if the tables were turned. I’d be PISSED. Fuming. Apoplectic.

I’d be running to Twitter and running my mouth off.

I’d be in the comments sections of official Adelaide Football Club accounts calling for answers and wanting accountability.

Now Power fans, I’m going to hold your hand when I say this, but it has been 13 years of abject failure under Hinkley and you deserve better (even if I’ve enjoyed almost every last one of those failures).

The ‘sack Ken’ signs were right.

A ‘Sack Hinkley’ sign on Port Road in Alberton. Picture: 7NEWS

Fans took out their frustration on this occasion after a thumping from the Lions in 2024. Picture: 7NEWS

And another sign appeared back in 2022.

I’ve already reasoned with myself that if the Crows are still in the same boat as the teal army in six more years without a grand final appearance (or God forbid even a finals outing) I would be demanding the same.

If even at the end of this year the men’s team are not finals bound I can guarantee there will be marches on both West Lakes and Thebarton with me at the front wielding the pitchfork.

For a club that so readily wants to define itself by “greatness”, the Ken Hinkley Farewell Tour just doesn’t add up. It’s been a slippery slope with the Power fans over the years and I have to say, it feels like they’re finally fed up.

So what does the under pressure great man do when quizzed on the weekend’s thrashing? He comes out at a presser and hits back at critics of the succession plan.

“I said right from the start I have plenty of energy for the job, Josh and I know exactly what is going on, the whole football club knows what is going on.

“People have some opinions based off one loss.

“I think we have been really clear on that, there is absolutely no confusion.”

I reckon you might want to run that head scratcher by the Alberton crowd because if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it’s gaslighting like a duck.

It may come as a shock to you but I know Port supporters. I work with them. Some of my best friends are even Power fans. And they’re angry, hurting or worse yet … ambivalent for season 2025.

Ken Hinkley facing the media on Tuesday. Picture: RoyVPhotography

It would be remiss of me to not take a cliché out of the footy books that “a week is a long time in footy” and we’re definitely in for a drawn out season. But if this succession clown show was happening at the mighty Crom, I’m not sure I’d be in it for the long haul for the rest of the year.

Of course that’s all talk because I’ve been through a lot as an Adelaide supporter and I’m still here, so what I’m offering you is a solutions based approach. Rock up Saturday arvo, go into every game of 2025 with low expectations and hope the ball bounces your way. The league feels like it’s never been more even so you may get a surprise at the end of the year. And with the enviable spine of JHF, Butters and Rozee, sadly for me, it’s probably more than likely Round 1 will be a distant memory.

Travis Boak will play his 373rd game for the Power. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

With Boak’s record breaking 373rd match pulling on the teal, black and white up next, history may indicate a big moment game Power choke is on the cards (see Russell Ebert’s 64 point tribute match smashing by Hawthorn and more recently the 20th anniversary of the 2004 flag ending in a 74 point schellacking by Brisbane).

As a Crows supporter, I hope I haven’t put a fire in your bellies and willed your boys on to a stirring win this week or a meteoric rise over the next 22 rounds.

But right now, I just want to say, Power fans - your feelings are valid.

Michael Mkoka-Nicholson is The Advertiser’s Digital Editor and a long suffering Crows supporter.