STILL numb after the death of former right-hand man Phil Walsh, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says he hasn’t been able to concentrate on Thursday night's game against Collingwood.
Walsh returned to Alberton last year to replace Alan Richardson as the Power's midfield manager before moving to West Lakes to coach Adelaide.
Hinkley also played at Geelong in 1995 when Walsh was the club's fitness coach.
Fans fly as one at Adelaide Oval to remember Phil Walsh
The pair forged a strong bond, which has made it all but impossible for the Power's coach to focus on his side's clash with the Magpies at Adelaide Oval.
With Port languishing in 12th spot on the ladder, Thursday night is a must-win if it's to have any chance of playing finals.
But Hinkley admitted he has struggled to think about the game at all and said he was numb.
"We need to have a good, solid performance, but there are some other things right now that have made that a little bit difficult to clearly see," Hinkley said.
"I'll tell you, it hasn't been big on my mind.
"I'm no different to anyone else, I don't think. I'm a bit numb.
"It's not about me. It's about (Walsh's wife) Meredith and the family.
"I have (been thinking about time with Walsh last year) and I still am and I get constant reminders unfortunately. But at some stage, like the rest of us, we'll find a way.
"It's really difficult for me to talk about.
"I don't know [how I'll go on Thursday night], I don't know what to expect from our team or from any team … it is the unknown, I can't give you an answer."
Hinkley was also unable to guarantee every player selected for Thursday night's game would be mentally up to the rigours of AFL football.
He said he'd have no issue if a player withdrew late because of their emotional state.
Neither Port Adelaide nor Collingwood will run out to club songs at Adelaide Oval and neither will run through a banner.
The Power's pre-game ritual of playing INXS' Never Tear Us Apart will continue as normal, which Hinkley said would be an "appropriate" tribute to Walsh.
Port will make several changes ahead of Thursday's clash, with defenders Tom Jonas and Alipate Carlile both set to make way for Jackson Trengove and Tom Clurey.
Trengove was a late withdrawal from last Thursday's loss to the Sydney Swans with a virus but has fully recovered.
