Why you’d want to play for Kenny

Ken Hinkley delivered an emotional pre-game speak to his players ahead of the historic clash against the Crows.

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak and coach Ken Hinkley with the Showdown Cup after Saturday's win. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

THERE'S no ranting or raving, the level of his voice doesn't raise like one might imagine a revved-up coach confessing the game being "like a final" but Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley certainly hit the mark.

Or at least that's easy to say in hindsight, given the Power won Saturday's inaugural Adelaide Oval Showdown over the Crows by 55 points .

But thanks to Port Adelaide, Fox Footy was granted access to the Power's rooms before Saturday's clash.

Watch the video above and listen in to Hinkley's pre-match address as a calm Hinkley explains to his leaders the "responsibility" they have not only to each other, but to the packed Adelaide Oval crowd and their fans.

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He asks his players to be "selfless", saying his task is done, all the while instilling a confidence in them that they are up to the task.

"Really, I'm helpless," the Power coach says.

"Unless you as a group are getting it done for me, I'm probably useless, so you've got a big job I reckon and you shouldn't shy away from it.

"Every one of you should welcome the opportunity, and I reckon you need to lean on each other ... help get each other up."

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Hinkley remains remarkably cool throughout his address despite acknowledging the significance of the first-ever clash between the two clubs at Adelaide Oval.

"Let's be honest, this is a big game," he says.

"We're big enough in here to handle that heat.

"It's our first game here, it's (a) Showdown ... and it feels like a final.

"That's what it's felt like for me, so I'm not going to hide from the fact that you blokes have actually got to go out there and perform ... but I'm sure you can do it."

Coach Ken Hinkley reflects on Port Adelaide's derby win over Adelaide Crows.

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