Finals-bound Power 'taught a lesson' by superior Dockers
Hinkley urges his men to learn from fanatical Freo as they prepare for first final in six years
PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley believes his side deserves to be playing finals football despite being "taught a lesson" by Fremantle in a 74-point loss at Patersons Stadium.
Hinkley's young side suffocated under the Dockers' insatiable pressure but the first-year senior coach didn't believe the defeat should detract from Port's overall achievements.
"We rightly deserve to be a part of the final eight," Hinkley said.
"We've qualified in our own right and that's a really pleasing thing for us.
"It would have been nice on the back of being able to play a bit better tonight, but that's not the case.
"I went in and just told the boys 'that's AFL-style pressure football'. That's what the best teams are able to do to you and we have to learn from that."
Hinkley was adamant the loss was not detrimental to his side's chances in September.
"We're not going to limp in. We're going to keep trying to improve," Hinkley said.
"What we have to understand is we got beaten tonight by a genuine top-four side, and they taught us a lesson in pressure.
"That's OK. The mistake we'll make is if we don't take the lesson. We'll take the lesson on board and we'll try to improve."
Hinkley was full of praise for the Dockers and was not surprised by the quality of their performance.
"The Dockers have been the absolute best in the competition all year over here," Hinkley said.
"They are incredibly well coached. Ross (Lyon) has got them playing really strong, defensive football, and the pressure - it’s a buy-in from everyone."
Star youngster Chad Wingard was subbed out in the third term but it was just a precautionary measure from the coach.
"He was a little sore," Hinkley said.
"The game was clearly gone so I wasn't going to take any risks with Chad Wingard.
Key Carlton duo Jacob Weitering and Zac Williams have been named for Carlton's clash against Geelong despite injury concerns
Squads for Young Guns v Vic Country match announced
Many of Victoria’s top prospects eligible for selection in this year’s AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will again be in action this weekend in the second game of the 2024 Young Guns Series
Stream your team: Watch VFL, VFLW, SANFL and WAFL games LIVE and FREE
You can watch every game of the 2024 VFL, VFLW, SANFL and WAFL seasons LIVE on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App
LISTEN: Grim reality facing Lions, unpacking THAT draw