PORT ADELAIDE faces a nervous 24 hours waiting after Justin Westhoff was reported for allegedly striking Essendon's Cale Hooker at three-quarter time of Sunday's match at Etihad Stadium.

Westhoff appeared frustrated after failing to take advantage of an opportunity in the Power's forward line just before the siren. He was involved in an incident with Hooker immediately afterwards that left the Essendon defender on the ground.

The field soon resembled a saloon from a western movie as the bearded Westhoff took on Hooker while most players surrounded the duo in a show of support.

Like most at the ground, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was unclear as to what exactly happened to cause Westhoff to be reported.

"I asked him in the room(s) and there is a little bit of concern of what he may or may not have done, accidentally I think ... as much as anything can be accidental," Hinkley said.

"When you get embraced in a push and shove you can do some stuff that you don't want to do."

Westhoff has only been reported twice in his 125-game career – once for wrestling in 2008, and last year in the Showdown for an obscene gesture when he indicated to Crows with one finger that the only way was up for the Power.

He is enjoying a fine season under Hinkley, having kicked 20 goals, but also playing across half-back and in the ruck at times. His presence will be vital for Port Adelaide as it prepares to play Hawthorn on the rebound with just a six-day break.

"'Westy' is not that sort of player ... I haven't even seen it, can't say whether he has hit him high or hasn't hit him high. I could not even tell you what happened. I'm looking for you to tell me whether he did or he didn't," Hinkley said.

"The AFL will take care of that, like they do every Monday, and we will see what happens."

Port Adelaide tried Jackson Trengove forward and back against Essendon and Hinkley indicated that whether John Butcher was considered for selection would be dependent on injuries and suspension.

He said the current 22 had earned the right to be in the team with solid performances, so something would need to happen for him to displace them.

Butcher did not play this week as Port Adelaide Magpies had a bye in the SANFL.