“So, what now?”: Crow premiership captain calls out divided Power fan base

Port Adelaide secured a triumphant win over Geelong at GMHBA Stadium last week, firing to a 41-point half-time lead before holding on to claim the victory by just six points.

The Power’s coach Ken Hinkley has long faced criticism from both the media and his own fan base, with many believing Hinkley will fail to bring Port Adelaide the success that their list demands, and has demanded, for a large part of his tenure at the club.

Following their huge result on Friday night, Mark Bickley hopes that Port Adelaide fans, who typically remain at odds regarding their coach, can band together in support of their club’s position and their ability to remain successful in years to come.

“There are three types of Port Adelaide supporters,” the two-time Adelaide premiership captain told SEN SA Breakfast.

“Those who love Ken (Hinkley), those who hate Ken, and those who don’t care as long as Port are winning.

“After last week’s poor showing in the Showdown (against the Crows), the haters were out in force, ‘can’t win in the big games’, ‘can’t beat anyone in the top eight’, ‘the tactics are no good’, ‘they don’t have the talent or the depth’.

“Well, on Friday night they beat a side in the top two, away from home at the hardest ground in the competition to win at.

“Ken and his coaching staff took the points tactically with their ball movement and forward positioning to negate Tom Stewart and the way they entered the ball, lowering their eyes and refusing to bomb it long to packs.

“All this, against a coach, Chris Scott, who most rate as the best in the competition.

“Missing their captain in Connor Rozee, two first choice ruckmen and the key igniter Sam Powell-Pepper, the Power showed great resilience to overcome all of this and a late Geelong fightback to get the job done.”

Bickley was sure to call out the Power fans who constantly question Hinkley’s job, delivering a reality check for those who fail to respect the man at the helm.

“So, what now for the people who want Ken gone,” Bickley questioned.

“If you’re happy to pick the phone up when it doesn’t go well, do you have the courage to pick up the phone and praise him when he gets it right?

“It seems when Port lose, it’s Ken’s fault, and when they win it’s the players that do all the good work.

“The reality is, whether the team wins or loses, you’re all in it together. All the coaches, all the players, and, hopefully, all the supporters.

“So can Port Adelaide’s victory over Geelong be the game that firms the belief in the players’ minds that they can beat the very best sides in the competition no matter where they play or when they play, and can it also be a unifying event for their supporters, who have been at odds over the ongoing capability and future of Ken Hinkley.”

The Power host Hawthorn on Sunday as they strive to cement their spot within the top six.