Mature Port Adelaide on right path, says coach Ken Hinkley
THREE years ago Carlton shredded Port Adelaide’s season at the MCG but Ken Hinkley says his 2018 unit has the edge and maturity to write a serious premiership script this season after overpowering a brave Blues unit.
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THREE years ago Carlton shredded Port Adelaide’s season at the MCG but Ken Hinkley says his 2018 unit has the edge and maturity to write a serious premiership script this season.
Port seems to finds it easier to get up for heavyweight bouts with Richmond or Melbourne than AFL’s scrappers.
However, haunted by past losses against inferior opposition, Port’s leadership group this week said a loss to Carlton wouldn’t be tolerated.
“There has definitely been progress, we have matured a bit and credit to Carlton they played some pretty strong footy. We had to work our way into it and keep fighting,” said Hinkley of Port’s 21-point win.
The Power — through self-reflection, belief in its game plan and favourable draw should clinch a top-four finals vantage. Port could triumph in five of its remaining eight games against St Kilda, Fremantle (away), GWS, Western Bulldogs (away), Adelaide, West Coast, Collingwood (away) and Essendon leaving it on 15 wins. Adelaide finished minor premier with 15 wins last season.
Port’s round 22 clash against Collingwood at the MCG could prove a vital rehearsal for September.
“We take every opportunity we can to get here and play again here before the end of the year. Everyone loves coming to the ’G. You know the importance,” said Hinkley.
Hinkley conceded there were concerns after Port’s scoreless third term, leading by two points as rain set in and Carlton desperate to honour 37-touch veteran Kade Simpson’s 300th milestone.
Carlton had just 26-49 inside 50s to three quarter time but was in the contest which reminded Hinkley of Port’s Houdini act against Melbourne.
“Two points up and playing a side that has Simpson playing his 300th game, that is when moments can become bigger and all the emotional stuff gets rolling. He played a good game,” said Hinkley.
“They didn’t get a lot of forward entries but like us the week before were able so score.
“We weren’t overly impressive. You are always happy to get the points.”
Ultimately, the sure hands of Robbie Gray with three goals, Chad Wingard and Justin Westhoff (2) saw Port prevail while Hinkley said Jack Trengove was “solid” in his Power debut. Jasper Pittard’s tight hamstring will be monitored this week while Hinkley must find room for defensive linchpins Tom Jonas (hamstring) and Darcy Byrne-Jones.
“Darcy and Jonas will be seriously considered next week but the boys that won deserve the opportunity to be thought of first,” he said.
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