Port Adelaide Coach Downplays Significance of Collingwood Match Despite Strong Start

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is downplaying the significance of his team's upcoming AFL match against reigning premiers Collingwood at the MCG, despite the Power's impressive 4-1 record and third place position on the ladder. "It's just round six against a very good team on their home deck," Hinkley said, emphasizing that "every week is tough" in the AFL.

The Power will be without two of their most dangerous forwards, Charlie Dixon and Jeremy Finlayson, for the clash against Collingwood. However, Hinkley expressed confidence in the ruck duo of Jordon Sweet and Ivan Soldo to compete with the Magpies' Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox. The decision to rest Dixon was made before the start of the season as part of a managed plan for the key forward.

Collingwood has named an unchanged lineup for the match, including veteran Scott Pendlebury who has been cleared to play despite suffering rib damage. Hinkley stated that Port Adelaide will not target Pendlebury or young star Nick Daicos for extra physical attention, instead focusing on the Collingwood team as a whole.

Why this matters: The match between Port Adelaide and Collingwood is a highly anticipated contest between two top teams in the AFL. The outcome could have implications for both teams' positions on the ladder and their chances of securing a top-four finish.

Port Adelaide has won three straight games at the MCG since suffering a 71-point thrashing at the hands of Collingwood just over a year ago. However, Hinkley downplayed the significance of the venue, stating that "there's so many things that go into why you do and don't win at different venues." The Power coach remains focused on his team's performance and executing their game plan, regardless of the opposition or location.

Key Takeaways

• Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley downplays significance of Collingwood clash.
• Power to be without key forwards Dixon and Finlayson, but confident in ruck duo.
• Collingwood names unchanged lineup, including veteran Pendlebury cleared to play.
• Match between top teams could have implications for ladder positions and top-four finish.
• Hinkley focused on Power's performance, not venue or opposition.