Under-fire coach Ken Hinkley is adamant Port Adelaide can stay alive despite a fifth-straight loss – their worst start to an AFL season.
“I’m going to continue to believe that and I’m going to continue to work towards that,” a steadfast Hinkley said after the Power’s heartbreaking three-point loss to Carlton on Sunday.
“It’s enormously challenging, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m not going to give up and the team won’t give up.
Karl Amon’s last-minute shot at goal from outside 50m could have sealed a thrilling comeback, but drifted agonisingly wide and was rushed through for a behind.
While vowing not to dismiss the first-half lessons, Hinkley saw enough positives in the second-half performance to work with heading into a round-six battle against West Coast at home.
He liked the efforts of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters, debutant ruckman Sam Hayes and Amon, as well as veteran “soldier” Travis Boak.
Ollie Wines missed the Carlton game after doctors discovered a heart irregularity, but Port are optimistic the Brownlow medallist will return against West Coast.
“One thing we’ve got to be really cautious of is Ollie’s health and we’ve got to make sure that’s right,” Hinkley said.
Advertisement
“But as I sit here now we expect him to play next week.”