‘It will be on’: Hinkley talks up Showdown, Dixon
KEN Hinkley has lauded warrior Charlie Dixon’s impact against Western Bulldogs in Ballarat as Port Adelaide enters a Showdown that will shape their finals destiny against Adelaide.
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KEN Hinkley has lauded warrior Charlie Dixon’s impact against Western Bulldogs in Ballarat as Port Adelaide enters a finals-shaping Showdown for the ages against Adelaide.
Having overcome the belligerent Bulldogs to grab fourth spot in freezing Ballarat, Port can end Adelaide’s season and set up a premiership tilt with a 13th season win on Saturday.
“We had an opportunity to be equal third on the ladder or eighth and we all know how important it is at this stage of the year,” said Hinkley.
Paddy Ryder’s fast-tracked return from a hip flexor injury meant Port boss Hinkley could run with the structure he knows will overcome most rivals.
“He has had a pretty impressive week to be honest because he has been a little bit sore, got through and probably played his best game in those conditions for a big man,” said Hinkley of five-goal hero Dixon, now with 25 goals this year.
Dixon’s immaculate return of 5.2 despite rain, wind and hail showed what damage the goliath can cause when not forced into a makeshift ruck role covering Ryder.
“Charlie is important for us when he plays like that,” said Hinkley, hailing his medical team to get Ryder and Tom Jonas (knee) fit to face the ‘Dogs.
“That is the upside for us, if Charlie can find that form and Paddy can stay fit and all the boys play their role like they did today, it gives us a chance.
“Robbie Gray, Chad Wingard and Steve Motlop get reward off Charlie’s combative style of football.”
Jared Polec’s 32 touches, six inside 50s and six clearances continued a career-best season that stokes North Melbourne’s $700,000 per season interest in the wingman. Polec was instrumental when the game was in the balance at halftime.
“He is a very good player Jared Polec, a bit of a barometer for us. When he plays well we tend to,” Hinkley said.
Darcy-Byrne Jones ran with Jason Johannisen, negating the 2016 Norm Smith medallist and providing a goal assist for Chad Wingard and depriving the Dogs of drive.
“It was really well done by the line coaches on how that was going to work. It was a bit of running around the ground We had good communication with all the boys. Darcy was outstanding,” Hinkley said.
If Port aces a brutal run home against Adelaide, West Coast, injury-hit Collingwood away and Essendon it will be a genuine flag contender says Hinkley.
“It is just big from our point of view, from a football season point of view and clearly Adelaide is trying to hang on, keep their season going,” Hinkley said of Saturday’s Showdown.
“It will be on, Showdowns always are.
“We have as tough a run home, as theirs is. If we make it we will be ready, we will deserve it and be in good form going there.”
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