Ken Hinkley Says Pressure Remains High Despite Port Adelaide Win

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley insists that the pressure on him and the club remains high, even after a gritty two-point win over St Kilda. The victory was crucial for Port (9-6), keeping them inside the top eight, but Hinkley emphasizes that the competition is still fierce.

Key Points

Coach: Ken Hinkley
Team: Port Adelaide
Recent Game: Two-point win against St Kilda
Current Record: 9-6
Ladder Position: Inside the top eight

Recent Challenges

Hinkley faced heavy criticism following a significant loss to Brisbane, where disappointed fans left early and booed him at Adelaide Oval.

Event	Details
Loss to Brisbane	Fans left early and booed Hinkley
Win against St Kilda	Two-point victory, crucial for top eight

Hinkley's Response

When asked if the recent win eased any pressure, Hinkley responded strongly:

"You're kidding, aren't you? Have a look at the competition and how close it is. It's so tight. Every game is going to mean so much."

Emotional Moments

Hinkley showed raw emotion after the victory against St Kilda, reflecting on the tough week the team had endured.

"Pretty hard ... been a tough week. Great boys - I really like the fact that we were under the pump and we just stuck at it."

Competitive Landscape

Hinkley highlighted the intense pressure all teams face in the AFL, noting that every game from now until the end of the season will be crucial.

Recent Performance

Emotional Win: Hinkley became emotional after the victory, showcasing his dedication and relief.
Criticism: Despite the win, some criticized the emotional display as excessive for a win against a lower-ranked team.

Hinkley's Perspective

Hinkley defended his emotional response, stating:

"It's always a reflection of what the performance has been like. We worked really hard as a whole club to make sure we got that performance last week to win in a really tight game."

Despite a crucial win, Ken Hinkley insists that the pressure on Port Adelaide remains high due to the tight competition in the AFL. The team must continue to perform at their best in every game to maintain their position in the top eight.