Hinkley to miss North clash

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley won't travel with the team to Tasmania after being grounded with a virus. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: The Advertiser

KEN Hinkley won't travel with Port Adelaide to Tasmania for its game against North Melbourne on Saturday after being struck down by a virus.

Power director of coaching Alan Richardson will lead the team after Hinkley was admitted to hospital on Wednesday night.

Port chief executive Keith Thomas expects Hinkley to make a full recovery but the club would not take any risks with his health.

"Ken was admitted to hospital last night with chronic back pain and subsequent tests have revealed that he is suffering from a virus,'' Thomas said.

"After consultation with our club doctor Damian Newberry it has been advised that Ken should not fly this weekend while he overcomes the effects of the virus. We expect Ken to make a full and speedy recovery. In fact, if our game was played in Adelaide this week he more than likely would have coached.''

Thomas said Richardson was a logical replacement.

"We've often said Ken and Alan are very similar in the way they think about the game and in terms of their philosophies,'' Thomas said.

"The club has total confidence that Alan can fill in for Ken this week and lead the team well. He has vast coaching experience in his own right and has worked closely with Ken here at Port Adelaide on game style and structures since day one of preseason.

"Most importantly, Alan has the complete respect and confidence of the playing group and coaching staff and we are confident that his transition as senior coach for this week will be seamless.''

Port heads into the contest with an unbeaten 5-0 record. The Kangaroos are 1-4.

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