Port boss vows to take ‘control of our destiny’

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley admits he’s uncomfortable heading into today’s AFL crunch game against Collingwood.

But he takes solace that he’s not the only AFL identity feeling that way.

“We’re like anyone that sits from about fourth through to 10th, we feel a slight uncomfortable feeling,” Hinkley said.

“We know we have got an opportunity to control our destiny.

“We will take that opportunity and do everything we can with it.”

Port hold eighth spot, a win ahead of a chasing pack, and are also just one win behind fourth position.

Hinkley’s charges have slid down the ladder with four losses in their past give games.

The past two consecutive defeats have come in sapping fashion: Adelaide pipped Port by three points with a match-winning goal thought to have brushed a post; West Coast last week downed Port by four points with a goal after the final siren.

But Hinkley (left) said his players had remained positive.

“They have trained really well, they have been sharp,” he said.

“There’s no attitude around here at the moment that we’re worried about anything other than our opportunity.

“And our opportunity is to take Collingwood on at the ‘G and we look forward to doing that.”

The Power have beaten the Magpies, who named an unchanged side, in the past four encounters.

But Hinkley conceded some risk with ruckman Paddy Ryder, who was forced out of last week’s game because of a hip injury.