The much-maligned Ken Hinkley had one job to do on Sunday night to conclude the third iteration of Gather Round: win.
Ironically, Port Adelaide would face Hawthorn, who, on two occasions, played off in single-digit thrillers in 2024, resulting in some fiery encounters and a $20,000 fine for 'conduct unbecoming'.
But with his back against the wall and staring down a 1-4 start, Hinkley has proven he's got more tricks up his sleeve, and playing captain Connor Rozee off halfback demonstrated that.
Rozee, by his own admission, hadn't been in terrific form, but Sunday's performance attempted to change the narrative, kicking two goals from 28 touches, eight intercept possessions and 546 metres gained.
"We're there to support our captain; he's been (a) fantastic young captain for us, and we just felt like it was an opportunity to support him a little bit differently this week. Very early in the week, we were mindful of trying to help him," Hinkley said after the 30-point victory.
The move, which has been trialled before, comes as the club is still looking at replacements for two-time All-Australian Dan Houston.
Kane Farrell has sewn up one flank while emerging youngster Josh Sinn looks very capable at the level, allowing Jase Burgoyne to play further up the field.
The Power skipper spoke on how much the win means to the Alberton club, saying that Hinkley receives unfair criticism when the team isn't performing.
"In Adelaide, he cops a lot of flack for things he probably doesn't deserve," Rozee said post-game on Channel 7.
"It's a town with two teams, and when you're not going well, he's a spearhead of our organisation, so he cops a fair bit.
"We'll be forever in debt to him."
Connor Rozee on Ken Hinkley | #AFLPowerHawks pic.twitter.com/fSF4tRdJRS
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) April 13, 2025
"But from an internal point of view, and a playing point of view, we love him so much.
"From where he's taken our football club to where it is now, we'll be forever in debt to him."
The contest between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn had many spirited moments that will likely see the Match Review Officer (MRO) step in.
Midfielder Jason Horne-Francis thought the rivalry emerging between the two proud clubs was good for the game, and it could've been the reason why the hosts rose to the occasion.
"I know I definitely used it," Horne-Francis told Channel 7 after the match.
"I think rivalries are so good to have and I think the one that we're building here, it's such a good rivalryโฆ so, I know I definitely used it, I know some of the boys used it, 'Kenny' was a bit fired up, but I think it's good for us.
"Ken is an emotional person, and he's really passionate, which we love about him, and he was just passionate throughout the week. He wanted to get this win with what happened last year, we didn't want to let him down."
