‘We are building the belief’: Justin Westhoff excited about what Port Adelaide can achieve

EVERGREEN Justin Westhoff believes Port Adelaide is in the “best space” of Ken Hinkley’s six-year reign and has the cattle and mindset required to achieve big things in September.

Power players Jack Trengove and Steven Motlop after their win at the MCG. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

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EVERGREEN Justin Westhoff believes Port Adelaide is in the “best space” of Ken Hinkley’s six-year reign with the cattle and mindset required in September.

Asked if Port was in its best shape under Hinkley, Westhoff said: “Probably since Ken’s been here. We are not an old group but played a lot of games together.”

Westhoff knows from bitter experience how Port would “have let slip” wins like Saturday’s at the MCG against Carlton instead of finding a path to a 10-4 record this season.

Justin Westhoff, left, and teammates mob Todd Marshall after kicking a goal against Carlton. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

“We are probably not playing our best but grinding wins out. Probably in the past few years we would probably have lost that one,” 239-game veteran Westhoff said.

“Over the past six weeks we are building the belief and that is important with a young group, have a lot of trust they are going to get the job done.”

Port faces St Kilda, Fremantle, GWS and Western Bulldogs in a winnable month that could sew up a top-four finish.

“We are in a good space but the next few weeks are pretty important,” he said.

Power coach Ken Hinkley singled out Westhoff (two goals) after a 21-point win against Carlton. Westhoff – in his 13th season – remains Hinkley’s Mr Fixit whether kicking goals, repelling inside-50s, rucking or winning clearances.

“He is a big part of why we have been able to play the style of football we have for a long time, he is a star,” said Hinkley of Westhoff, who figured in Port’s losing 2007 grand final.

Carlton’s Ed Curnow wrestles with Port’s Dougal Howard. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Westhoff, 31, is ever-modest, crediting forwards Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Sam Gray and Todd Marshall for another vintage campaign.

“Robbie and Charlie are in awesome form for us. Robbie can turn a game at any time. Todd and Sam Gray are doing the grunt work. I am the third thing they worry about which is good for me.,” he said.

“As a unit I think we are doing really well.”

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