PORT ADELAIDE senior coach Ken Hinkley wants his side to respond strongly against Fremantle this Sunday, regardless of whether Port can make the eight or not.

The Power was disappointing against North Melbourne last weekend, which dented the club’s finals hopes, but Hinkley says the group remains really connected, and has an opportunity to respond strongly.

“This team is really connected, there is no problems with the connection of this team,” Hinkley said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon at Alberton Oval.

“Between the players and all of the coaches - not just me - we have really stuck the course and we’ve stuck the journey. I’m proud of that, really proud.

“We have an opportunity on Sunday - and I want to focus on that.

“Regardless of what happens by the time the game starts, I want us to play the right way on Sunday.”

Hinkley admitted it was a tough week for him personally and the club following the 86-point loss to the Kangaroos, but he says the group had reviewed the game and not shied away from the media scrutiny.

“It’s been challenging like every week, but particularly after a really poor performance,” he said.

“We haven’t hidden away from the fact that it was a really poor performance. We get an opportunity to respond to that on Sunday as best as we possibly can.

“It’s always difficult when you set yourself up to be in a good position and then you play a really poor game.

“That’s the challenge of being involved in this industry.”

Port faces the Dockers on Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Oval, with David Hale set to take the reigns as caretaker coach after Ross Lyon departed earlier this week, and Hinkley says he isn’t sure what to expect from the Western Australian side.

“It’s the unexpected now, that’s what happens,” he said.

“We’ve seen it all year - it’s been a bit volatile in the coaching ranks - and we expect a little bit of the unexpected from them.

“Typically, what’s happened this year with the sides who have made that move, they come out with a bit more freedom.

“Our challenge is to make sure we don’t give them that space to take the game on. They have some high-quality players, and we know how good they can be.”