Ken Hinkley urges Port fans to support the players ahead of return to Adelaide Oval
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has given Power fans a message ahead of their clash with the Western Bulldogs, a fortnight after being booed at a home game. MATT TURNER has the story.
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Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has urged Power fans to get behind the team this weekend, a fortnight after being booed at home.
The Power returns to Adelaide Oval on Saturday for the first time since Brisbane trounced it by 79 points, leading to supporters jeering both the team and Hinkley.
Port bounced back last Sunday, snapping a three-game losing streak by beating St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
Asked if there was any trepidation about the reception his side would receive at Adelaide Oval, Hinkley said: “Nah, we go back together and hope to play really well, and we expect that everyone will be happy at the end of the game.”
Hinkley’s message to Power fans was “support the boys”.
“And they do,” he said.
“I think it’s really important.
“They’re out there doing their absolute best and that’s all we expect of them.”
The coach and his team have been under immense pressure since the Lions loss left them in a battle just to make the top eight.
Port sits seventh on a logjammed ladder with a 9-6 record, a win off third spot but also only a victory and percentage from 13th.
Hinkley, who got choked up when interviewed post-game on Sunday, said the result had not lifted the pressure around the team because the competition remained so tight.
“You’re going to look at that ladder every week and it’s going to go everywhere, every week,” he said.
“The reality is there’s pressure in this game from now right to the very end and everyone who’s trying to compete in it would be feeling it.”
Port looks likely to make at least one change, based on Wednesday’s match simulation.
Wingman Jase Burgoyne (hamstring) appears set to return from a one-week absence after training with the A side, while defender Lachie Jones (knee) sat out most of the session.
Forward Todd Marshall was expected to play despite being subbed out with hamstring tightness against the Saints.
Goalsneak Willie Rioli (illness) is in line to return but may come through the SANFL.
Key defender Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) has been ruled out.
The Bulldogs are ninth on the ladder, one win behind the Power.
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Originally published as Ken Hinkley urges Port fans to support the players ahead of return to Adelaide Oval
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