Prior to his team's highly-anticipated matchup against Collingwood, Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley has responded with his own claims after boastful opinions from Collingwood circulated earlier this week.
Port Adelaide has emerged this season as a strong premiership contender, having won 13 matches prior to last weekend. Their streak came to an end after a lacklustre performance that saw Carlton knock them over by 50 points. Hinkley's men now sit comfortably in the top two, only four points behind competition favourites Collingwood.
Port Adelaide will meet Collingwood on Saturday in what has been a highly anticipated matchup, with both teams striving to hold the top qualifying position ahead of finals.
Craig McRae's team has continued to prove why they are the premiership favourites with their ability to dominate games and provide ways to get home in tight games.
The Magpies' confidence was on show last week when star defender Brayden Maynard noted Port Adelaide will be needing to "bring their A-game" this Saturday.
โPort better bring their A-game because we are coming over there and are going to give it our best," Maynard toldย Fox Footy.ย
There is no question why Collingwood is sitting first on the ladder. They currently sit at 15-2 and are one of the most well-rounded teams the competition has seen in recent history.
Hinkley was questioned on the confidence that the Magpies present ahead of the top-of-the-table clash, offering a cheeky response following Maynard's comments.ย
"We are playing the best team in the competition, by their admission,โ he said.
โThey are the best team in the competition, they have said that themselves publicly.
โJuly is a good time of the year to be number one.โ
Hinkley said it wouldn't provide his side with any more motivation to knock off the ladder-leading Pies.
โThey are very clear on their description of themselves Collingwood and they rightfully own that description,โ he said.
โOur players will rise to the opportunity that they have in front of them, it's one v two and we are looking forward to it.โ
Hinkley also provided an update on the condition of in-form star Zak Butters. The midfielder was no certainty for selection this week after an injury against Carlton.
Hinkley said scans had determined it was a hip issue and the young gun was right to go.
โZak basically sprained his hip, it wasn't an adductor injury which we thought it may have been after the game,โ he said.
โSoft tissues are much different so we are really optimistic about Zak being at his best.โ
Hinkley has named six changes to his team with a host of quality inclusions to face the Magpies, with Jason Horne-Francis, Charlie Dixonย and Trent McKenzie all back from injury, and Willie Rioli is also set to return.
Defender Dylan Williams has been confirmed as the Power's sub for Saturday's clash.
Port Adelaide will hope to silence a confident Collingwood on Saturday when they meet at Adelaide Oval at 7:40 (AEST).
