PORT ADELAIDE senior coach Ken Hinkley has heaped praise on midfielder Willem Drew for the courageous mark he took late in Saturday evening’s disappointing loss to Richmond.

Drew put his body on the line, running back with the flight to drag in one of the marks of the season, with Hinkley describing it as “crazy courageous”.

“You look at players who can do that and go well that is instant respect from everyone within the ground - the opposition and your own teammates,” Hinkley told AFL 360.

“They are unbelievable marks.

“I still love a high mark but the courageous ones are something special.

“They make their mark in one instant and that’s really important.

“Drewy had just kicked a goal for us too, so to back that up with a courageous mark like that - it’s a fantastic effort.”

The 20-year-old made his debut in Round 1 this season and has had a very promising start to his career, collecting 20+ possessions in his opening two games.

His output has been slightly down in the last two matches but Hinkley has been proud of the way he has been able to overcome injury setbacks and make his mark.

“He’s early in his career and he’s had some setbacks with injuries,” Hinkley said.

“That’s when you do like to see them have a good run.

“He’s certainly been a really popular player, not just with the coaches but with his teammates.”

Drew also received high praise from Paul Roos during his weekly show on Fox Footy’s On The Couch.