FORMER Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon says he moved to Port Adelaide for one reason – Ken Hinkley.

After a protracted negotiation through the recent NAB Trade Period, Dixon got his wish with a move to the Power after spending five seasons with the start-up Suns.

The imposing full forward recently turned 25 and is fresh from his career best season of 41 goals, but had a mixed time at Metricon Stadium.

At his best, the 200cm, 105kg powerhouse can single-handedly win games, as he did with seven goals against North Melbourne, but he has also been plagued by persistent ankle injuries, never playing more than 16 games in a season.

Dixon also found himself in strife for drinking wine the night before Gold Coast's round nine fixture against Hawthorn, an incident that would land him a one-match club suspension.

Speaking for the first time in Port Adelaide colours on Wednesday, Dixon said it was primarily his relationship with Hinkley – who was a Suns assistant coach in 2011-2012 – that lured him to Alberton.

He agreed they had a "special bond".

"He was probably the biggest drawcard," Dixon said.

"He was our forwards coach and back then I was probably not the most professional and wasn't doing everything I could, so he whacked me and basically showed me what I needed to do to be a professional athlete, and I think that's where we grew.

"Sometimes you click with people and Kenny's got my number and he can push me and drive me to be better.

"He can hit you between the eyes when he needs to and I think that's what I need."

Dixon said he needed a change and a new challenge after being one of the first players signed by Gold Coast once given its license to enter the AFL.

He admitted it was a tough decision to leave the expansion club.

"I was very grateful for what Gold Coast have done for me, they gave me my start in my career, but I felt like it was time for me to change my lifestyle and really do the best thing I can to make myself a better footballer," Dixon said.

"I think they (Port Adelaide) do have the personnel to go all the way.

"I'm just looking forward to starting at the new club, getting to know everyone and fitting in around them."