The Magpies beat the Panthers by 20 points on Sunday to earn a shot at state league glory next weekend.
Hocking's men were staring at a possible straight-sets finals exit at the main break, despite winning the minor premiership with a 12-6 win-loss record.
SANFL GRAND FINAL INFORMATION
The Panthers held a 17-point advantage at half time and the lack of composure and pressure from the Magpies outfit had many slating South for the grand final against Norwood.
But sensing his side needed to re-gain its belief and confidence, Hocking used the Power's stunning come-from-behind example from Saturday night to motivate his young side to swing the momentum back their way.
It certainly did that with a 37-point turnaround after half time helping Port Adelaide to clinch its first SANFL Grand Final apperance since 1999.
"At half time, we talked about the Power's second half in Saturday night's game against Fremantle and that if we could bring a bit more energy into our game we could turn it around too," Hocking said.
"The boys are all really close and quite often we get the whole list together - the AFL-listed boys and the contracted boys - so the 'one club' model really helps.
"I also said to the boys at half time that there was a big question mark on their heads and they had to remove the question mark.
"It also comes down to the mindset between the two teams - it was a game of footy between two talented teams - but in the end it was a good mindset and the right strong mindset that got the job done."
MAGPIE SQUEEZE PANTHERS
Following the victory, Hocking was quick to turn his side's attention to next Sunday's grand final against the reigning premiers Norwood, acknowledging the hard work was not done after the Magpies were beaten by the Redlegs in the second semi final two weeks ago.
"It will take a four-quarter effort to beat Norwood and we know we have to be in the game early," Hocking said.
"They [Norwood] are high-classed, well coached and we have a high respect for them.
"An opportunity to have another crack at them [Norwood] is what the boys are after.
"We just need to deny them their pressure and their structure and we will have to play a bit faster tempo and also a bit smarter."
Port Adelaide will play in the SANFL Grand Final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday 21 September at 2.40pm.
