AFL showdown still an unknown: Port

Sunday's AFL showdown between Port Adelaide and Adelaide still carries elements of the unknown, Power coach Ken Hinkley says.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley

Ken Hinkley says uncertainty looms large in Sunday's AFL showdown against arch rivals Adelaide. (AAP)

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says uncertainty looms large in Sunday's AFL showdown against arch rivals Adelaide.

Hinkley says it's unknown how both clubs will react to further tributes for Crows coach Phil Walsh, who was allegedly murdered by his son on July 3.

The slain coach spent large chunks of his career at Port before switching to the Crows.

"There has certainly been some stuff through the week that is still difficult for everyone to deal with," Hinkley told reporters on Saturday.

"But overall I think we have certainly been able to focus a little clearer on the game.

"There is still some uncertainty as to what is actually going to happen for us, and the Crows I'm sure are the same, and that will be there for a significant amount of time.

"But both clubs are trying to channel all their energies into the game.

"Everyone is starting to deal with and understand what has gone on now ... we understand there is still a significant amount of this game about Phil's connection to both clubs - and so it should be."

Power and Crows players will run through a joint banner pre-game and a medal for the best player on the ground has been struck in Walsh's honour.

At the end of the match, the crowd and players will be asked to hold a minute's applause, rather than a minute's silence, for Walsh.

The result is pivotal for the finals aspirations of both clubs - Port are 12th, the Crows 10th.

"We have been inconsistent and that is why we're in the position we're in now," Hinkley said.

"The test for us is to consistently do it for the remainder of the season, however long that is."

Hinkley lost rebounding defender Jasper Pittard to an ankle injury, summoning Nathan Krakouer as a replacement, while Aaron Young has been recalled at the expense of Karl Amon.

The Crows will debut 21-year-old wingman Rory Atkins while Brodie Martin has also been included. The duo replaces omitted pair Nathan van Berlo and Cam Ellis-Yolmen.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world