As Gather Round approaches, most AFL fans would consider the best game has been saved until last.
In one of the best games of season 2024, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley's post-match war of words targeted at Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan sparked a fresh rivalry in the league.
The Hawks were beaten by less than a goal in two Adelaide Oval encounters in 2024; one of which was a stunning choke from the Hawks after leading by over 40, the other a back-and-forth semi-final affair which was decided by a James Sicily set shot hitting the goalpost in the dying seconds.
Following online banter between Ginnivan and former teammate and Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy, where the polarising Hawk stated he would see Grundy and the preliminary finalist Swans "in 14 days", Hinkley clapped back post-game by making an aeroplane gesture to suggest the Hawks would be flying home.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was left unimpressed by the remarks, and Hinkley, despite apologising on the national broadcast, was sanctioned with a $20,000 fine.
With Hawthorn undoubtedly chomping at the bit to get stuck into the 1-3 Power and claim a win over their bogey side, Hinkley says he will not be focused on the trash-talking this weekend.
"Honestly, I said what I said at the end of last year's game; emotions boil over, I was disappointed in that with myself; I've said that," Hinkley said.
"I've apologised publicly. I think it's time to move on for me and I've got to focus on our performance this week.
"We need to address our position currently, and our position means we need to do everything we can to win this game of football. That's where we'll spend our time. It just so happens that Hawthorn are our opponent, and it's Gather Round.
"It's a pretty big build-up, which we appreciate, but the reality is it's bigger for us in the sense of our season."
Hinkley said that he had not reached out to any Hawthorn personnel after the semi-final incident last season.
"No. I had no need to speak to them, and I'm sure they didn't really want to speak to me," Hinkley said.
"Ultimately, my job is to do what I can to help Port Adelaide, and that's all I spend my time on.
"...It's building as a healthy rivalry which is good for the game, I think that's always been the case. I always say the same thing: rivalries are very good for the game.
"It seems to be attracting some attention and bringing some energy to Gather Round, which is great."
Hinkley also provided some potential inclusions to replace Darcy Byrne-Jones, who will miss the Hawthorn clash due to a one-match suspension for a high bump.
Byrne-Jones was the match-winner in the Round 10 clash between the two sides, with his soccer off the deck in the final seconds, sealing the remarkable comeback for the Power.
Hinkley mentioned Tom Cochrane, who made his debut against Essendon, played strongly in the SANFL last weekend with four goals, while club veteran Travis Boak is also in line to return.
"We've got options... obviously Darcy's going to be missed," Hinkley said.
"Tommy did pretty well in the SANFL, we've got Trav hopefully available too as well; we've got some choices."
