THE UMPIRE'S decision to call Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon to play on after his 30 seconds had expired, while lining up for a set-shot late in the fourth term was correct, according to Power coach Ken Hinkley.

If Dixon had kicked his set-shot goal the Power would have led by nine points with just over three minutes remaining in the contest.

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Instead, umpire Jacob Mollison called play on forcing Dixon, who was well outside 50 and at the top of his run-up, to dish a quick handball to teammate Justin Westhoff, who quickly kicked forward under pressure and allowed the Cats to rush a behind.

Cats superstar Patrick Dangerfield kicked the game-winner with less than two minutes remaining to spur the Cats to a thrilling two-point win in the game at Simonds Stadium on Thursday night.

"I understood it. Time ran out," Hinkley said in his post-game press conference.

"Unfortunately they got it 100 per cent correct as far as right on the dot.

"I don't think I've ever seen it before but that doesn't matter.

"The umpires got it right."

WATCH Ken Hinkley's full post-match press conference

Dixon took too long to begin his run up, with his 30 seconds to begin his set shot routine expiring after he took a strong mark 40m out from goal.

Geelong coach Chris Scott didn't believe the ruling was controversial.

Five talking points: Geelong v Port Adelaide

"I haven't given it a lot of thought, but the rule is pretty clear," Scott said.

"I don't want to complicate it and I don't want to be critical of Charlie (Dixon) at all.

"When I say it's simple it is, but when the countdown clock is not on the scoreboard it does complicate it a little bit."

Hinkley said he spoke to Dixon about the situation and he agreed the key forward needed to show more awareness.

Despite suffering another close loss on Thursday night, Hinkley was proud of the effort his team displayed particularly after being outplayed early in the game.

Port Adelaide has won more quarters (27) than any other team this season, but sits sixth on the ladder with a 5-4 win-loss record.

"You learn and you get better and they hurt and they eventually steel you enough that you become the side you need to become and we're not there yet," Hinkley said.

The Cats were well on top early (despite trailing by eight points at quarter time) as they dominated the territory battle, with 18 inside 50s to the Power's eight.

Hinkley said it took an "outstanding performance" for his team to work its way back into the contest.

"There was a willingness to compete and credit to the opposition too, they had a willingness to compete early.

"They were on their home deck, they had a bit going on (the premiership reunion) but I was proud of our boys for staying at it and turning the game.

"We probably dodged a bullet in the first quarter, but that happens in games of football, and maybe they dodged one in the last 90 seconds, I don't know?"

Hinkley was full of praise for young gun Sam Powell-Pepper who had a significant influence on the game with 15 disposals and a hardness around the contest that epitomised his team's endevaour.

"He's not getting tired yet is he?" Hinkley said.

"Everyone wants to talk young players into getting tired. I like to talk about them keeping on getting better and we're lucky enough to see that young man get better."