Ken Hinkley is shredding doubts over Port Adelaide’s game-plan and finals credentials says David King

Why Port Adelaide’s record against top eight rivals isn’t a September road block in 2017.

Port Adelaide boss Ken Hinkley has turned the tables on critics while the Power’s poor record against top eight rivals is irrelevant in a knife-edge season say AFL greats.

Adelaide can cement a top-two finish with victory in Showdown 43 on Sunday but Port would set up a top four slot by upstaging Don Pyke’s men says dual North Melbourne premiership half-back David King.

One triumph against a top eight opponent - West Coast - is no cause for concern for Port in a season where 12th placed Hawthorn could cause carnage if it made finals.

“I think it is such an even and open year anyone can win the flag,” said King, who will front Fox Footy’s Showdown coverage.

“If the Crows can win this game, almost lock a top two position and passage to home final campaign then look out. Port would love to get on a roll and have that luxury.

“I don’t think anyone will hold that top eight scoreboard against Port.”

Demolishing top eight sides attracts cachet but no more points than punishing AFL’s scrubbers notes triple Brisbane flag champion Alastair Lynch.

“Port is a classy, high pressing team that haven’t beaten anyone much but have the game and personnel to win in finals,” said Lynch.

Port can explode in September while Showdowns represent the ideal stage to simulate finals tension against the competition leader.

“If they want to be winning a grand final these are the games they need to win to play in Adelaide in the first week of the finals or earn one in their own right,” said King of Port, in fifth spot with an 11-7 win-loss record.

“We all accept Port has enormous talent, their forward press has been a revelation, if their clearance game gets rolling they are a chance against anyone.”

Missing finals in successive seasons triggered a searching internal review at Alberton last spring. Hinkley entered this campaign under publicised pressure from chairman David Koch to reach finals.

“I had my doubts on Port. Ken was under pressure and what we needed to see was that Ken had the answers. It has been sensational,” King told The Advertiser.

“Not only has he had the answers but he has had the ability to get a rock solid game plan and that forward press is unique. It is a big tick.”

King concurs with Hinkley that Port Adelaide’s last ditch win against St Kilda courtesy of a sublime Robbie Gray goal could make its season and build telling momentum.

“I agree with what Ken said after the game. Sometimes you just get enormous sense of unity after those wins,” said King.