But it’s precisely that philosophy that has ensured Port Adelaide is well-prepared for each of its challenges this year.
SELECTION
Today that is no greater than against last year’s runner up Fremantle, a side renowned for its suffocating defensive game and one that poses a significant threat to a Power team looking to continue its winning run at its new home ground.
The respect held for the purple haze at Alberton is significant. Port Adelaide also prides itself on its defensive ability, and it will face the ultimate litmus test on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to again test ourselves out, we know Fremantle is a grand final side from last year,” Ken Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“They are incredibly well coached and we really respect them as a football team.”
GAMEDAY GUIDE
Port Adelaide has proven its worth in front of goals this year with a dynamic forward line consisting of Saturday’s milestone players Jay Schulz and Chad Wingard, plus the versatile combination of Justin Westhoff, Angus Monfries and Robbie Gray.
But while some are pitching Saturday’s game as a battle between defence and attack, Hinkley wants the Power to adhere to its team defence principles as well.
Arguably that defensive mind set has borne fruit this year. While the Power has been one of the higher scoring teams, it also has the second-lowest (behind Fremantle) score conceded in the league.
So the team that can hold back their opposition this weekend and capitalise defensively will be in with a shot come full time.
“We know their defence is going to bring us a lot of challenges, but we hope our defence is going to bring them a lot of challenges as well,” Hinkley said.
“We’d also like to get some score on the scoreboard.
“People are calling it a ‘defence versus offence’ game, we’d like to think it’s going to be a great, hard, defensive contest first and hopefully on the back of that we’ll come out with the result we want.”
PREVIEW
And anything beyond 2:10pm Saturday isn’t being factored into considerations for Hinkley’s men.
The Power needs to perform against the Dockers and there’s no room to relax in the heat of battle at the Adelaide Oval.
“We can’t afford to even consider what’s coming up after Freo,” Hinkley said.
“It’s a silly thing we say in footy perhaps, but we need to make sure all of our attention is on Saturday afternoon at the Adelaide Oval in front of our fans.
“We need to bring a really strong, contested brand of football to Fremantle and give ourselves the best chance to win another game.”
Port Adelaide plays Fremantle at 1:10pm on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available at the gate or online via Ticketek.
